Brisbane mall fight
By Bill Mason
BRISBANE — Retailers have opposed proposals by the Electoral and Administrative Review Committee to amend the infamous Mall Act, which bans all political activity in the Queen Street Mall. The shopkeepers say the proposal is an invitation to violence.
Civil liberties groups have described such claims as dishonest and alarmist.
New Labor Mayor Jim Soorley said a designated area would be set aside where people could make public speeches and hold demonstrations. "There won't be a free-for-all", he said.
Under the new proposals, police will retain the right to challenge proposed street marches in the courts. n