The Land Forces expo in Melbourne organised by a charity AMDA* attracted the ire of progressive Australians who protested against this invitation only exhibition for international and Australian arms dealers.
Thousands of protestors were met with tear gas, pepper spray, horses and baton charges. Over 44 people were injured. And of course, police accused protestors of violence. They were joined by state and federal politicians as well as the monopoly media commentariat.
For three days, people faced down the state forces and focused attention on the integration of the military industrial complexes of U.S. and U.K. with the Australian military.
*AMDA according to Michael West Media pays no tax and earned a profit of $35 million last year.
For detailed analysis of Australia’s role in the international arms trade see the link from Pearls and Irritations
