Brisbane free speech campaign

By Bill Mason

BRISBANE -- Supporters of free speech held a speak-out in the Queen Street Mall on May 1 to oppose city council plans to restrict activities in the area.

ALP Lord Mayor Jim Soorley, under pressure from the Mall Traders' Association, has proposed that a “speakers' corner” be established in King George Square, while public assemblies be banned or severely restricted in the mall -- the main gathering place in the city centre.

The move is being challenged by a coalition seeking to maintain and extend the democratic gains flowing from the Fitzgerald inquiry into the police and political system in Queensland.

A broad rally will be held on May 8 to defend the right to speak, leaflet and assemble in the mall. Speakers will include Chris Griffith from the Queensland Watchdog Committee, Brian Hoepper from Academics for Human Rights, Sandy Brown, Women's Rights Officer at Queensland University, and Terry Fisher, civil liberties lawyer.

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