Posted on 08/21/2005 4:58:05 PM PDT by Aussie Dasher
HEALTH Minister Tony Abbott says he is disappointed by the cancellation of a debate at a New South Wales university on the Government's controversial voluntary student unionism (VSU) legislation due to police concerns over his safety.
Mr Abbott has been forced to withdraw from today's debate at Sydney University after the NSW Police Service admitted it could not guarantee his safety. In an unprecedented move, a senior NSW police officer wrote to Mr Abbott instructing him to cancel his debate with Labor MP Julia Gillard due to an unacceptably high risk of violence by protesters.
But Mr Abbott today said he didn't like the idea that intimidation was stifling free speech.
While he accepted NSW Police viewed the debate as a potential risk, Mr Abbott said he was concerned that rather than try to eliminate the risk, they were preventing him from completing part of his job as a minister.
"Whether people agree with the Government's policy on voluntary student unionism or not, ministers of the crown surely ought to be able put the Government's case safely," Mr Abbott said.
"And the fact that the New South Wales police don't believe that they can control the campus is a bit of a worry."
Mr Abbott said the letter came as a surprise given NSW Police last week said student protests were relatively peaceful and nothing much to worry about.
"This week they're saying that student protests could become very ugly indeed and even pose a risk to life," he said.
"Well, if it's as bad as that, the police have got a very serious law and order challenge.
"One way or the other, they seem to be saying that it's not the baddies that they're going to stop, it's the goodies that they're going to stop because surely there's nothing wrong with going on to a campus and arguing a case."
Isn't it amazing how much the left loves freedom and choice...until someone disagrees with them!
Sounds like the "heckler's veto" is triumphant down in Australia. We've been battling it here in California regarding "illegal immigration" forums. So far we've been winning. However, the city of Carlsbad (CA) is now asking Sen. Bill Morrow for $100,000 to cover the costs incurred to maintain security at the forum he finally was able to hold.
It's outrageous!!!
I'm pleased to say most places in Australia still have police who are willing to enforce the law.
"Abbott says he is disappointed by the cancellation of a debate"
What, Costello didn't show up?
Believe it or not, Peter Costello (Treasurer) is Tony Abbott's Cabinet colleague!
"Whos on first" doesnt work with only one guy doing it.
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