Protesters target Howard

Protesters followed PM John Howard from the Williamtown RAAF Base to the Hunter Valley Grammar School on April 18, in opposition to his decision to send more troops to Afghanistan. Howard was kept safe from confrontation with any dissenters at both invitation-only events.

At the RAAF Base, Howard sent off some of the extra troops to Afghanistan — a "contingent" of air combat officers. At an afternoon tea for 1500 of the party faithful, Howard announced funding for the Pacific Highway flyover at Tea Gardens — where his family has holidayed for 20 years — and offered support for the funding of roads, rather than for a sports stadium, in the seat of Paterson.

From GLW issue 707