Melbourne is preparing for the possible conflict break out on the October 7 during pro Palestinian rally as tension starts to build up. President of the Islamic Council of Victoria Adel Salman has joined in supporting the rally saying that it is needed in spite of increasing criticism. This came at a time when a similar protest in Sydney has been called off further proving how polarising the issue is.
The rally is currently scheduled to be held on a day that is a anniversary of a major event that still divides Israel and Palestine and the event has been met with fear from government officials and leaders from the community that is petitioning for the protest. Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the protest that he said was provocative and held on October 7.
However, organizes are still keen on going ahead wit the Melbourne rally as planned. They stated that it is a good time for those who are sympathetic to the Palestinians’ plight to come out and make their stand. This year’s event in Melbourne that went on as a protest was in contrast canceled in Sydney Drawing on the complexities of the play, this paper seeks to understand how different cities in Australia approach this sensitive issue.
Likely protest has again elicited discussions regarding freedom of speech, assembly, controversy of assembly and order, and whether the planned protest will hinder harmony in the society. Authorities are consulting with the organisers to ensure adequate security is provided while enforcing the ban on the use of violence in the exercise of the right to freedom of assembly.
At the time when the date is near, Melbourne citizens are split on the question. Some stand for the right to engage in protest and consider it as free speech while others are concerned about continuing interruptions within daily life and increased conflict in the community. CBD is the most affected as traders, local businesses and organizations alike resolve to prepare for losses from disruption of their operations.
Forcing the issue on the October 7 rally is timely because Melbourne is currently facing several issues. There has been increased action from the union in the recent past, downtown Brisbane was recently locked down by tens of thousands of CFMEU supporters in a separate march. This newest planned protest is an added challenge to the city’s handling of public assembly and freedom of speech on political issues.
On other news, traffic jam situation remains a vice in Melbourne roads for the commuters. One may recall the recent head on collision along the South Indian Ocean highway in the north that resulted in massive traffic jam and this was just an indication of the way things are: how the city continues to be faced with the problem of managing its transportation systems effectively. Experts are advising that drivers should be attentive to the road and traffic conditions and especially during rush hours should avoid undertaking long trips.
It is also a time the city is grappling with a fatal accident that happened in Daylesford where a driver who was party to a pub tragedy will not face trial. That is why this development has again spurred debates over road accidents and the law procedures that accompany such events.
On a happier note Melbourne’s sporting spirits remain buoyant. The AFLW season saw Essendon and Sydney face off in quite a physical match that saw Essendon emerge as winners by a close margin. There was also controversy at the later part of the game when Madison Prespakis clearly led an increase to the scoring from the opponent’s side, leading to a brawl thus making the game a good rivalry.
Indeed triumphant Jahrome Hughes of the Melbourne Storm has been awarded for excelling in rugby league being on the list of Dally M award winners. Hughes’ rise from a journeyman fullback at season start to one of the best in the game when the season was over sends a positive message to youth in the city who hope to make it big in the sport.
Such events and issues further reveal that Melbourne being such a strong city and multicultural city, is also capable to bounce back from all these. Political action, striving to recognition, sport victories, concerts – the Victorian capital is still active and reflects the rich picture of modern Australian urban life.
