MELBOURNE — In the largest anti-racism demonstration in the country so far this year, more than 30,000 people rallied here on December 8.
Organised by the People for Racial Equality coalition, which was set up from a Victorian Trades and Labour Council meeting last month, the rally assembled in Treasury Gardens before marching through the city and back to the park to hear speakers and performers.
Amongst the crowd were people from many ethnic groups, the Aboriginal community, trade unions and left political organisations. Speakers included migrant, Aboriginal and trade union representatives, former Democrat Senator Sid Spindler and former ALP politicians Joan Kirner and John Cain — who did not, however, speak on behalf of the ALP.
People for Racial Equality will hold its next meeting on December 13, at which the next steps in the campaign will be discussed.