Freo council ups security as far right targets Australia Day fireworksdecision
The City of Fremantle is beefing up security for its council on Wednesday evening as speculation grows that far-right groups will attempt to disrupt the meeting over plans to cancel Australia Day celebrations.
Facebook posts made by individuals on the page of a radical far-right group - which WAtodayhas chosen not to name - sought to muster support for a council meeting protest against Fremantle's proposed cancellation of the long-standing January 26 fireworks for cultural reasons. It's not clear if the individuals are actually associated with the group.
"Let's make some noise," the post read in part, also seeking to rally support against an appearance in Fremantle later this year from TV commentator Waleed Ally.
During a public meeting on Wednesday night at the Fremantle Town Hall the full council will consider ditching the 2017 edition of the city's Australia Day fireworks in favour of a more culturally sensitive event, which many indigenous people identifying January 26 as "invasion day."
Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said he was aware of the situation and had taken precautions to ensure the meeting's safety.
"I am aware of the rumours and we've put some contingencies in place with our security staff to make sure that our staff are taken care of and we've also informed the police," Mayor Pettitt said.
"We're not expecting any trouble, though the meeting will probably be a full house so it's best to err on the side of caution."
As well as the far-right contingent potentially heading to the council meeting, the Australians of British Heritage for Indigenous Justice and Reconciliation has encouraged its members to show their support for council's willingness to consider the cancellation plans.
"We have heard some members of far-right groups will be there to voice their usual dissenting opinion to anything they perceive as 'culturally sensitive' or 'politically correct'," the group said on its Facebook page.
"These are the same people who turned up to the anti-racism protest in Perth on August 13th waving 'Always Was, Always Will Be Aboriginal Land placards.
"Please consider attending the town hall to show solidarity if you can."
The proposal to cancel Fremantle's Australia Day fireworks is opposed on economic grounds by the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce, which says the event injects $2.5M into the local economy and promotes the city's profile.
The Chamber is calling for the 2017 and 2018 editions of the fireworks to proceed and for the council to conduct more community consultation to find an appropriate celebration.
Source http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/freo-council-ups-security-as-far-right-targets-australia-day-fireworks-decision-20160824-gr0e57.html
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