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Wednesday May 23, 2012

What we're talking about

A non-political protest?

Posted by: 3AW Radio | 24 October, 2011 - 9:01 AM
Occupy Melb

Neil Mitchell came out firing against the Occupy Melbourne protesters this morning, revealing that one of the main organisers of the movement, Jake Wishart, works for Greens MP Adam Bandt and previously worked for Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young. 

Bandt was 'unavailable' for comment on Monday but his office told Neil Mitchell off-air Wishart took leave last Wednesday.

Mitchell is appalled a tax-payer funded employee is helping organise these protests.

(Scroll down for all related audio links, including Neil's interview with Acting Police Commissioner Ken Lay)

The protesters have repeatedly claimed their movement is a non-political one, but this new information contradicts that notion. 

Mitchell also revealed that one of their main publicity people is an employee of the National Union of Workers.

In related news, the leaders of the Occupy Melbourne group want the Victorian Ombudsman to investigate at least 43 alleged instances of police violence against demonstrators last Friday.

A statement from Occupy Melbourne says its lawyers have 43 statements listing injuries inflicted by police on protesters, including eye-gouging, punches to the face and back of the head and the deployment of pepper spray, including on children.

On Wednesday, the Queen arrives in Melbourne, and there is speculation that the protesters will turn their attention toward her visit.

Ken Lay joined Neil Mitchell this morning and said he was very pleased with the way the protest was handled by police, but regretted that force had to be used.  Listen below.

SCREEN GRAB: Hiddendocumentary.com images of Jake Wishart

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 PLAY: Acting Police Commissioner Ken Lay with Neil Mitchell

RELATED CONTENT:

PLAY: Adam Bandt, the Greens, refuse to speak

PLAY: Neil Mitchell doesn't hold back against the protesters

PLAY: Occupy Melbourne Spokesperson Jason Grech confirms with 3AW News that the Queen will be targeted (He denied an interview with Neil Mitchell)

IMAGES: Violence ensues as the City Square is emptied by police

PLAY: Dramatic protest coverage as 9am deadline passes

PLAY: Seb Costello captures the drama at 11:30am

PLAY: Robert Doyle speaks to 3AW's Neil Mitchell

PLAY: Ross and John cross to Occupy Melbourne spokesman

PLAY: Neil Mitchell tries to have sensible chat with protester

Occupying Melbourne; but why?

Protesters TOM ELLIOTT: "The fact they’ve been allowed to protest for six days and in doing do, make a huge mess of the City Square actually proves that they have little to complain about in modern Australia."

Blog comments Your Say

  • Radar-you are one that has it all wrong,as proved to you and your moronic mates at the weekend,get a job>!!

    Steve Tuesday 25 October, 2011 - 12:59 PM

  • 3AW and blogs like this just serve to divide Australia's people and stir up the redneck contingent. Whilst, the jocks concerned are making a nice living by drawing in you morons,this is a dangerous activity. Anyone, whether they believe in the protests in the city, or not, cannot possibly justify the vicious and unwarranted level of police violence employed during their eviction.Wake up 3AW and supporters, you are fermenting a fascist state!

    rada Tuesday 25 October, 2011 - 11:42 AM

  • Hey China, keep this stuff coming. I haven't had a laugh like this in weeks! You claim your conspiracy theory 'facts' are undeniable then contradict yourself by flying off on wild fantasies. Hilarious! You quote Gideon, but then claim the real threat is the 'mystery men' who AREN'T in Dr Gideon's work. Oh yeah, your paranoid delusion is based on facts! ROFL Do you wear a tin foil hat too? Do you only communicate with your bretheren by written message 'cos of the bugs the 'mystery men' put in your teeth? A little over 1300 corporations who are connected via share ownership and common directors, not a nefarious plot to rule the world, account for 20% of global revenue and between them own corporations which account for around 60% of global revenue. They do report, as all corporations must. They are not mysterious entities they are on public record waiting for you to do some REAL research rather than Googling it. That's your 'conspiracy', how about sticking to reality rather than wild paranoia?

    Leigh Sharp Tuesday 25 October, 2011 - 10:40 AM

  • Bob Brown needs to resign from Parliment immediatly over this occupy melbourne rubbish. A minister of the crown cannot be associated in any way with this sort of illegal activity. I'm sure the treason act can be bought intoplay here and Bob and his bunch of tree hugging dim wits can all be stood down. I cannot believe the stupidity these people display whilst accepting wages from us.

    Beryl Tuesday 25 October, 2011 - 9:56 AM

  • Are we able to stop dole payments to the morons that participate in these demonstrations. They protest against our government yet hold their hand out every fortnight for their 'pay'. Obviously no standards or principal involved with this mob.

    Greg Tuesday 25 October, 2011 - 9:41 AM

  • Ah,China baby,to borrow a Hansonism; Ploise explane?.
    I knew if I let out enough line a nibble would be inevitable.

    jgl Melb Monday 24 October, 2011 - 5:43 PM

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