Anti-war activist disrupts meeting

Protester Bryan Law outside Rockhampton Council Chambers after being asked to leave council meeting.

Sharyn O'Neill

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FOR a man who wants peace, Bryan Law is happy to cause a commotion wherever he goes.

Yesterday, it was Rockhampton's council chamber where the veteran anti-war campaigner rose to challenge Mayor Brad Carter to a public debate, refused to shut up when asked to and was eventually escorted away by police.

The council meeting was adjourned for 20 minutes after an altercation during which chief executive Evan Pardon initially attempted to physically remove Mr Law before retreating.

Most councillors followed the Mayor out of the chamber as Mr Law accused Cr Carter of being responsible for deaths in Afghanistan through support for exercises such as Talisman Sabre.

“As a resident of Rockhampton I find it unacceptable,” he said. “The latest poll shows 62% of Australians want our soldiers out of Afghanistan by Christmas and after four weeks here speaking with people that figure is an accurate reflection of what the citizens want,” he said.

Only Cr Bill Ludwig, who remained to make a cup of tea, heard Mr Law berate Cr Carter for seeking closer links with the military.

As he waited for the police to arrive, Mr Law said he had expected Cr Carter to run like a coward from an honest debate.

“He has to appear in public and as many times as I can I will seek him out,” he said.

When police arrived Mr Law said he was happy to leave and was escorted to his tricycle outside the front door.

He wanted Cr Carter to debate him at a public meeting arranged on Monday, July 4, at the Fitzroy Motor Boat Club.

But there is no chance of that.

Cr Carter and Mr Pardon will leave Rocky for Singapore on July 4 where they will meet defence officials and senior politicians to cement closer ties with the Singaporean military.