Continuing their harassment, police have begun confiscating banner poles from activists at Town Hall and at the various convergence points. Alex Bainbridge, from the Stop Bush Coalition has told the media "We are not in a declared zone, and we do not intend to go anywhere near a declared zone, so by confiscating these poles, the police are actually breaking their own laws." Under the new laws, police are able to confiscate poles of over one metre, within the "declared zones". As an example of the politicised role the police a playing in these protests, a small, pro-Bush gathering, which is taking place closer to the "declared zone", has not had its long banner poles confiscated.
The WAG (Walkout Against George Bush)contingent, inspired by their student strike on Wednesday, gathered in Belmore Park this morning. While marching to the main rally at Town Hall, WAG joined with anti-nuclear campaigners, and swelled to over 500 marchers.
Meanwhile, at the headquarters of the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA), up to 500 spirited protesters joined the trade union contingent, and are chanting and marching to the main rally. The MUA, Fire Brigade Employees Union, teachers, construction unions and many others have joined. There are well over 4000 people already gathered at the rally point at Town Hall.