The G20 in Brisbane is an important part of my work on international relations of the region. When the formal proceedings are over there will be screeds of reports, analyses, communiques and so on to read over and analyse. I can do that in the comfort of my office.
But other events going on won't receive the same level of examination, media coverage or analysis. G20 meetings are often the focus of protests as well. Today, in 40 deg C temperatures, I ventured into town to observe what was expected to be the largest demonstration during the meeting.
There were impassioned speeches from the nation's First People, young and elders, activists and others. The crowd, some 1500 or so I estimate, listened and cheered in agreement and support. And there were police, many, many police.
There was an occasional motorcade as well as one POTUS headed out to UQ for a speech.
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| Gathering numbers |
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| Climate Angels |
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| Crowds gather |
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| Seeking shade under the tree |
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| In the heat of the moment |
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| How hot? |
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| Little people protests |
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| The police |
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| Waiting for the shuttle bus |
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| There's a presidential limo over there |
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| The marchers |
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| Protests |
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| Posters |
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| Protests in all colours |
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| Marchers continued |
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| Persistent messages |
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| The Angels were there |
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| Everyone marched |
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| Anonymous masks |
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| Shuttle bus delayed by 90 minutes |
I know what will go on behind those closed doors of the meeting, but it was just as important to see and hear the voices of those who are most affected by the decisions made 'across the river'.
It was the workings of a democratic society in all its facets. Hat tip to all.
[Camera : iPhone 6, 10.45am-1.30pm]
