Melbourne privatisation protest

Melbourne privatisation protest

By Michelle Hovane

MELBOURNE — Passers-by the Regent Hotel early on June 15 were confronted by the spectacle of "Premier Kirner" cosying up to a rambunctious "John Elliott" in a double bed.

Clicking her fingers for the rather put upon "public servant" in attendance, "Kirner" made presentations to "Elliott" of a number of gift-wrapped public assets, including Melbourne Water and the State Electricity Commission. A panting "Bill Kelty" was also in attendance and seemed incapable of anything other than desperately repeating the refrain "jobs, jobs, jobs".

Inside, state finance minister Tony Sheehan was addressing a $1200 a head conference hosted by the Victorian government to brief business on the juiciest public assets available for privatisation.

The street theatre and rally were organised by the People's Committee of Melbourne, which had earlier petitioned the government to waive the astronomical entrance fee so that the community's voice might be heard.

The government had not replied, so after the street theatre was over, people proceeded to the auditorium to repeat their requests to be allowed entrance. The protesters chanted "You can't sell what the people own" and "No to privatisation" until they were asked to leave by hotel security.

From GLW issue 60