Pro-Palestine protesters to ‘blockade’ NSW Government-sponsored arms expo in Darling Harbour
Pro-Palestine protesters have gathered in an attempt to “blockade” an arms expo at a Sydney convention centre.
Protesters gathered outside the IMAX theatre around 6.30am before marching on the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Darling Harbour.
The ICC is hosting the three-day Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition, principally sponsored by the NSW government and Investment NSW.
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A welcome from Defence Minister Richard Marles on the event’s website describes it as “one of the world’s premier international maritime expositions”.
“It showcases the close co-operation between the Australian Defence Force, defence industry, international partners and other agencies.
“All working toward the shared goal of maritime security and a peaceful, prosperous Indo-Pacific.”
Greens motion to condemn weapons expo
Last week, the City of Sydney voted to condemn the event.
The motion, moved by Greens Councillor Matthew Thompson, noted “many of the major stakeholders and sponsors of this event have direct connections to current, and historical conflicts – enjoying staggering profits from misery and suffering from conflict and war”.
The motion also included a request that Lord Mayor Clover Moore write to Premier Chris Minns urging future events “promoting and profiteering from the sale of tools and weapons of war” not to be hosted by the state government in the City of Sydney local government area.
Aussie manufacturers targeted by protest
The expo will include a range of panel events, including from the Royal Australian Navy, the European Union’s delegation to Australia, and the University of NSW.
Other attendees include BAE Systems, an Australian defence manufacturer which holds the contract for manufacturing Australian F-35 jet components.
Raytheon, an American weapons manufacturer, aeroplane companies including Boeing, Australia steel maker BlueScope, and more will also have stands in the exhibition.
The protest is principally being organised by the Palestine Action Group, which has organised near-weekly pro-Palestine marches over the past two years.
Australian companies who activists say are linked to, or complicit it, transfers to Israel have repeatedly been targeted by activists.
Former Greens candidate Hannah Thomas was allegedly assaulted by a police officer during a protest outside weapons-plating corporation SEC Plating in Belmore in June.
SEC Plating has denied providing jet components used by the Israel Defence Forces.
Originally published as Pro-Palestine protesters to ‘blockade’ NSW government-sponsored arms expo
