LIVE BLOG: Occupy Sydney general assembly

9.30pm: The general assembly passed several other proposals (which happened after GLW's laptop had a temporary power emergency).

These included: a decision to lodge a schedule one with the police outlinining a march route from Town Hall, to Wynyard Park, to Martin Place, and back to Town Hall.

The assembly also agreed on the statement read out earlier that night. Now occupations in Brisbane, Canberra, Perth, Melbourne and Adelaide have a common statement, which will be printed by Fairfax by Friday (so we were told).

8.53pm Proposal: That we submit a schedule one form to the police indicated that we have the right to march. Some speakers said that were concerned about submitting this.

Other people clarified that it provides added legal protection to the march ... if the form is submitted the police need to take occupy Sydney to the supreme court to stop it. The court has never ruled against a protest before. Others mentioned that without a schedule one, the police may attempt to prevent a march. Two people have blocked the proposal.

Proposal that a working group be set up to make a decision on this. Meanwhile, police have threatened the assembly that unless they move in 20 minutes all present will be issued with an infringement notice. This news was greeted with laughter and derision from the general assembly

8:38pm: Proposal, That we seek voices from marginalised communities to speak at November 5 rally.

Proposal: That one of the MC’s for November 5 be an indigenous person. Motion adopted by consensus.

Speakers for November 5: That occupy Sydney asks, Stuart Littlemore, three union representatives, Maree O’Halloran, someone from occupy wall st or Egypt, a former detained refugee, and to read a statement of support from Noam Chomsky. Also proposed that there be a gender balance with the speakers platform. The speakers, along with a proposal that there be an open mike at the November 5 rally adopted. Proposal that the speakers be limited to 5 minutes each adopted.

8.18pm: Speaker: proposal that occupy sydney submits a schedule one form for a march to Martin Place so we have the right to march on November 5 if occupy sydney decides too. The November 5 rally will begin in Town Hall. Some speakers have suggested the occupation stays in Town Hall.

Working group representative clarified that two options discussed in working group so far are Wynyard Park and Martin Place, Town Hall was also canvassed but had little support there. Encouraged ppl with other proposals for new occupation sites.

New speaker, Freya: Proposal that occupy Sydney has more of its own banners, posters, placards etc. But said censorship of participating groups (i.e. preventing them from bringing their own material) would be counterproductive. Also said her preference for an occupation site is Martin Place. Striking Qantas workers contingent is likely to join rally on November 5.

Proposal to restrict socialist involvement in occupy Sydney refered to a working group. Chairperson moved that no one group controls occupy Sydney. Adopted by consensus.

Above: Occupy Sydney General Assembly being held in the rain at Martin Place on October 26. Photo by Kiraz Janicke.

7.52pm: Proposal made for November 5 to be dynamic and creative: a funeral procession with a big banner that says: ‘Is democracy dead.’

Next speaker: Former mainstream journalist takes the mike. Says this is the first time he has spoken at the GA and describes how he has “now developed a conscience”. Suggests a “meme” for the occupy movement. ‘Why is it when millions are struggling, that that conservative political say its understandable there are protest, then why is it not possible for us to occupy 100 square metres of the city. If we can’t protest here then why cannot we use this space to express ourselves as citizens. This proves our point that the system is not really for the 99% of people.

Next speaker, Larissa. Discussed report that the Young Liberals are planning to counter protest on November 5. She said there are a large contingent of political conservatives who are sympathetic with the occupy movement. Anyone who wants to join us, conservatives or otherwise, should be welcomed.

7.40pm: Susan Price reports back from the working group for the next big occupy Sydney action on November 5. Suggested speakers for the rally include: Lawyer Stuart Littlemore, TAFE teachers, Finance Sector Union, Welfare Rights Centre, speaker from Occupy Wall Street or someone involved in Egypt’s revolution, Noam Chomsky (who will be visiting Sydney) and a refugee.

Also proposed that occupy Sydney organise several workshops after the Nov 5 rally. Several music groups will also be asked to perform.

Proposed high profile MC alongside someone from occupy Sydney. An offer to help with a big PA system has already been made.

7.28pm — Updated Pip Hinman reports that three City of Sydney councillors have indicated their support are being approached to support for the right of occupy sydney to protest and to get council to push for an investigation into the police violence on October 23.

Jesse Wynhausen reports to the GA that an opinion piece supporting occupy sydney will appear in tomorrow's Daily Telegraph.

7.20pm: Visitor from Occupy Brisbane gives greetings to the GA. He says the occupation there is very strong, with more than 100 people staying overnight. Occupy Brisbane is growing every day.

Some participants said the statement is not suitable and needs to include a reference to the inclusion of people of all genders and all sexualities. The GA will discuss the statement more later tonight

7.16pm: Daniel Robins reads a statement that has been endorsed by Occupy Brisbane, Occupy Canberra, Occupy Melbourne and Occupy Perth.

Very loud cheers and support for Sydney adopting the statement too.

Apparently, the Sydney Morning Herald will publish the statement on Friday

7.12pm: Paul Benedek moves a motion of solidarity form occupy sydney with Occupy Oakland, which police attacked with tear gas and flash grenades earlier today.

7.09pm: Proposal to ensure that women be represented among Occupy Sydney's was cheered.

7:07pm: Working group that has discussed a new site for Occupy Sydney reported back to the general assembly.

The group discussed two main options: return to Martin Place or move to Wynyard Park, near Wynyard station.

The assembly may like to discuss these two options, but if there is no agreement perhaps a working group can be asked to work out the best options re logistics, visibility and political impact.

6.53pm:: About 150 people have gathered for the Occupy Sydney general assembly in Martin Place. The assembly is still discussing the agenda for this evening.

Of the agenda proposals so far, one proposal to discuss Occupy Sydney's solidarity with the protesters arrested when the police broke up the occupation on the morning of October 23 received warm applause.