BY ARUN PRADHAN
MELBOURNE — Lest We Forget is the latest offering by political rabble-rouser and comedian Rod Quantock. It is Quantock's inquiry into the police violence at the September 11-13 (S11) protests outside World Economic Forum meeting. Quantock told Green Left Weekly that as the Police Ombudsman was such a busy person, he would probably appreciate Quantock's help.
As well as presiding over the inquiry, Quantock will lead both the defence and prosecution and, because he was hit by a police baton, he will also be the star witness. The audience be the jury, retiring to the bar to consider their verdict.
There will be a 10% discount for members of the police force involved in S11 and, because they missed out on state Labor premier Steve Bracks' infamous barbeque, they will also receive a free sausage-cooked live on stage.
"I still find the police violence at S11 unbelievable — typical yet still amazing", Quantock said. Quantock and his daughter were in the front line when police brutally moved in on protesters during S11. In the following days, Quantock loudly condemned the Labor Party and the state government for their complicity and support for the violence. This even led to Bracks organising a private meeting with Quantock to "hear his concerns" and "heal the wounds".
Impact of S11
"S11 was extraordinary. The broad community support, the 'rag tag' army from high school students to 60-year-olds was a fantastic sight", Quantock enthused. "It raised criticisms of a system that runs on profits and for shareholders only. What was most fantastic was the fact it was part of a world-wide chain of protest. It's managed to make 'globalisation' a dirty word."
Quantock acknowledged that globalisation may be inevitable but the form it takes is still in question. "The reason workers here are losing money is because people in the Third World have no rights and conditions. Corporate globalisation is a global force and we have to be global as well. S11 helped that voice travel around the world", he said.
While not agreeing with the blockade tactic, Quantock acknowledged that it was crucial in putting S11 on the map. "It brought together disparate groups with one focus and, on the whole, it was run very well. That's the sort of organisation and unity that needs to continue to focus attention on these issues."
On recent initiatives around May 1 as a global day of action against corporate capitalist tyranny, Quantock agreed that the movement needs to continue. He noted that big corporations are fighting back by putting out leaflets and disseminating information at schools to try to win young people to its agenda.
Rebel with a wit
Quantock's Lest We Forget maintains his reputation as one of Australia's best political satirists and comedians. Tracing his interest in politics to the 1960s, Quantock told Green Left Weekly that the campaign against the Vietnam war and conscription — and later the anti-nuclear campaign — made a big impact on him. "I also remember the Cuban missile crisis which raised questions about whether the US could dictate what other countries could do and who they could have relationships with", he said. "But in recent years, it was struggles against Jeff Kennett's state Coalition government and the Save the Albert Park Campaign where I began to do more."
Certainly, Quantock is extremely active these days. Not a week goes by without some group, action or community initiative enlisting his profile and sharp wit to help them.
Quantock noted the general lack of Australian political satire: "Except for a few performers like John Clarke and Max Gillies, it's always been political cartoonists who have led the charge. Comedians just reflect the broader society — politicians prefer that people don't take an interest in politics, so comedy just reflects a broader malaise.
"It's also harder to do political comedy. It takes more research, risks litigation and so on. In Britain, there is a bit more of a culture of political comedy. People like Alexi Sayles who are uncompromisingly left wing", Quantock explained.
In terms of Australian politics, "I have no time for either major political party or the other main minor party", Quantock told Green Left Weekly. "Both parties stand for the same thing and have the same ambitions."
Quantock, who at one stage nominated to run against Kennett, sees the rise of independent candidates as an encouraging step in breaking the two-party hold on politics. He described the move by the Democratic Socialist Party to call for a Socialist Alliance to contest elections as a positive initiative and recalled his disappointment at the failed attempts to launch a new left party a decade ago. It is essential that the far left "finds common ground and adds the weight of numbers", he said.
"I don't really have a deeper political agenda, the main part of what I do is criticise. I believe in equity and in changing what we can", Quantock added.
What lies ahead for Rod Quantock? "My next project will probably be around refugees, which I think is quite a clear cut issue."
Lest We Forget is playing at Trades Hall until March 3. For bookings and show dates call the Malthouse on 9685 5111. Shows start at 7pm. Tickets are $25 and $15 concession (10% discount for police with ID).