Governmental Forums, Diplomacy, G7, G20, G77

The 2009 G-20 London summit protests occurred in the days around the G-20 summit on 2 April 2009, which was the focus of protests from a number of groups over various long-standing and topical issues. These ranged from disquiet over economic policy, anger at the banking system and bankers' remuneration and bonuses, the continued war on terror and concerns over climate change.Although the majority of the protests and protesters were peaceful, the threat of violence and criminal damage were used by police as a reason to detain, or "kettle", protesters as part of Operation Glencoe. A bystander, Ian Tomlinson, died shortly after being pushed to the ground by a police officer. A second post-mortem has revealed that Tomlinson may have died from an abdominal haemorrhage. A police officer has been questioned under suspicion of manslaughter[5] and the inquest in Mr Tomlinson's death found that he was unlawfully killed.Contents 1 Timeline of the protests 2 Put People First 3 G-20 Meltdown 3.1 Squats 4 Climate Camp 5 Alternative London Summit 6 Policing 6.1 Operation Glencoe 6.2 Response to police tactics 6.3 Nicola Fisher video 6.4 Review of the policing of public events 7 Death of Ian Tomlinson 8 References 9 External linksTimeline of the protests Wikinews has related news: G20 protests: Inside a labour marchPut People First march; 28 March28 March 2009 35,000 people[6] joined the peaceful "March for Jobs, Justice and Climate" in central London, which was organised by "Put People First", a civil-society coalition organised in response to the London summit of more than 160 development non-governmental organisations, trade unions and environmental groups.[7]Their 12-point economic plan for democratic governance demanded democratised financial institutions to deliver secure jobs and public services, an end to global poverty and inequality, and a green economy.[8] The movement was initiated by the Jubilee Debt Campaign, Trade Justice Movement, British Overseas NGOs for Development and TUC.G-20 Meltdown – 1 April 12:30 pmA peace activist climbed over the railings into the Houses of Parliament as a symbolic gesture of 'power to the people'. When arrested by police he explained that "This is the people's parliament, and I am one of the people".28 March 2009 Marches in several French cities were organised by Association for the Taxation of Financial Transactions for the Aid of Citizens.[9][10]1 April 2009 12 noonAround five thousand people joined the G-20 Meltdown protest outside the Bank of England.[11] G-20 Meltdown was a radical anti-capitalist, socialist organisation conceived in Paris and formed in London in January 2009 prior to the G-20 summit.[citation needed] As well as the protest, they organised four nearby squats. Much of the protest, which was "kettled", was peaceful although there were violent confrontations. The police used batons and dogs and at least one policeman was injured; some protesters broke into a branch of RBS and a bystander, Ian Tomlinson, died after being hit with a baton from behind by a police officer near the protest.1 April 2009 12:30 pm Climate Camp in the City – 1 April 4 pmAbout two to three thousand people joined the Climate Camp in the City outside European Climate Exchange on Bishopsgate, which was peaceful except for when minor scuffles occurred after riot police 'kettled' the event at 7:30 pm. The street was cleared at about 2 am following day.[12]1 April 2009 2 pmSeveral hundred people joined a peaceful Stop the War Coalition march from the American embassy in Grosvenor Square to Trafalgar Square[13] which brought together protesters from the Stop the War Coalition, Palestine Solidarity Campaign, The British Muslim Initiative, and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.[14]1 April 2009 4 pmAn 'alternative G20 Summit' with speakers including Tony Benn, Ken Loach, Ken Livingstone, John McDonnell and Caroline Lucas was scheduled to take place at the University of East London which was close to the main G-20 Summit venue.[15] At the last minute the university announced that the whole university would close for the duration of the summit on safety grounds, also that Prof Chris Knight, an expert in anthropology at the University for 20 years, had been suspended for "inciting criminal action, specifically violence against policemen and women and damage to banking institutions", and that the alternative summit was cancelled.[16] In the event, the summit did go ahead and was held on the lawns of the university and started an hour later than planned and an attendance of 200–300 people.[17]2 April 2009Around 200 people gathered for a vigil outside Bank following news of Ian Tomlinson's death, and were subjected to a police 'kettle' despite the vigil being peaceful.[citation needed] 200 anti-war protesters from the Stop the War Coalition protested at the ExCeL Centre.[18]2 April 2009'Spiderman', the French climber Alain Robert, climbed the Lloyd's building and unfurled a banner saying '"100 months" to save the world' in reference to the urgency of tackling climate change.[19]Put People FirstOn 28 March 2009, 35,000 people marched through London. At a rally in Hyde Park, they were addressed by GCAP co-chair Kumi Naidoo, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber, environmentalist Tony Juniper, activist comedian Mark Thomas, and global justice author Susan George amongst others. They heard calls for international action to deliver tax justice, trade justice and a Green New Deal in both rich and poor countries.[20]The Put People First alliance of more than 160 unions, development, faith and environment groups called on the G20 leaders to recognise that "only just, fair and sustainable policies can lead the world out of recession, and that a return to 'business as usual' – with the associated poverty, inequality and climate change – is not an option".Christian NGOs including World Vision and Tearfund organised an ecumenical service on the day at Methodist Central Hall, overseen by the Bishop of London. Delegations joined the march from around the world, including Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Korea, USA, Australia, South Africa, Zambia, Canada and the Philippines.[21]G-20 MeltdownRoutes of the marchesThis protest took place outside the Bank of England. The aim was to "create a carnival outside the bank" and to "overthrow capitalism".[22] Protesters referred to the day as "Financial Fools' Day", a reference to the protest taking place on April Fools' Day.[23]Protesters with one of the 'Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse'The protest started at 11:25[24] as four planned marches, each led by one of the 'Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse', converged on the Bank of England: the red horse against war approached from Moorgate; the green horse against climate chaos from Liverpool Street station; the silver horse against financial crimes from London Bridge and the black horse against land enclosures and borders from Cannon Street.[25] Protesters were at the Bank of England by 11:53.[citation needed] Protest chants included "build a bonfire, put the bankers on the top", and some protesters shouted "jump" and "shame on you" at bankers watching from windows.[23] The police cordoned off thousands of protesters at 12:52[24] and many of those within the cordon were not allowed to leave for up to seven hours.[26] Tom Brake, a Member of Parliament and legal observer who was among those 'kettled', has criticised this tactic.[27]A protester hanging banners from the Bank of EnglandProtesters from the group Space Hijackers were arrested for impersonating police, after being stopped while in a blue 10-ton armoured vehicle, wearing blue boiler suits and riot helmets.[28]The windows of a branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland were broken by a group of protesters at 13:45,[24] some of whom entered the building and looted office equipment and papers and threw smoke grenades, chairs and eggs[29] There was intense media attention to this event, with a ring of photographers surrounding the people breaking the windows[30] and David Howarth MP later commented that one of the unresolved mysteries of the day was why the moment that a masked person threw the first piece of scaffolding through the window it was observed by hundreds of photographers and film crews already in position.[31] Four people, including a 17-year-old girl, have been charged in connection to this damage.[32] RBS has asked for £40,000 in damages from the teenage girl, who has admitted burglary and criminal damage.[33]Following the damage to the bank there were violent confrontations with the police with police using batons against the protesters while trying to push them back.[30] Some protesters fought back, including one masked protester who hit police with a pole, resulting in one injury and a smoke or flour bomb was also thrown.[34] A branch of HSBC also had windows smashed.[30] A journalist reported that the police "were spat on, hit and had vile abuse screamed into their faces from inches away."[35]A professional photographer saw what they described as "agents provocateurs" instigating violence. One who was throwing bottles was challenged by protesters, who accused him of being a police officer. He ran to police lines and was allowed through after showing I.D.[36] Tom Brake MP has also said that members of the crowd told him about suspected agents provocateurs who had been encouraging the crowd to throw objects at the police. A police spokesman said that "We would never deploy officers in this way or condone such behaviour."[37]A protester dressed as V from V for VendettaWithout alternative facilities, people used the entrances to Bank Underground station as a urinal,[26] although the police said that temporary toilets and water were made available to protesters.[30] As people were eventually allowed to leave at about 20:00, they were asked for their names and addresses, and required to have a photograph taken. They are, under the law, obliged to provide their name and address,[38] however they did not need to provide the photograph, but those who refused were put back in the pen.[26]Commander Bob Broadhurst, the officer in charge of policing the G-20 protests said that the "overall mood" of the 1 April demonstrations was good although "unfortunately small groups of protesters intent on violence mixed with the crowds of lawful demonstrators."[39] A bystander, Ian Tomlinson, died after being pushed to the ground by a police officer.[40]SquatsProtesters set up four squats as bases close to the Bank of England on 31 March.[41] The police raided an occupied derelict pub in Shoreditch on the evening of the 31st which had been publicised as a 'convergence space for protesters'; they stopped and searched people entering the building and arrested three people, one on suspicion of assaulting a police officer.[41]On 1 April Payne House on Earl Street near Liverpool Street Station was promoted as venue for workshops, films and accommodation with space to house 'many, many people'. The venue was advertised as a drug-free and alcohol-free centre with no-photography allowed without permission.[42] Police later raided a large Victorian office building in Earl Street and another squatted building, the RampART Social Center, in Whitechapel on 2 April, detaining a total of at least 80 people and arresting four.[39] A video of the raid allegedly shows an officer pointing a Taser at protesters who are lying on the floor, which would be against police guidelines.[43]Climate CampSee also: Camp for Climate ActionProtesters at the climate campThe 'Camp in the City' (51.5152°N 0.0825°W) on 1 April 2009 aimed to draw attention to carbon trading, claiming that far from being a way of reducing release of climate change gasses in the atmosphere it is used as an excuse to continue doing just that.[44] The camp took place outside the European Climate Exchange in Bishopsgate[45]Prior to the actual camp a group of participants had played a game called 'capture the flag' in the area on 27 March which was used by the protesters to familiarise themselves with the locale.[46]Climate Camp organisers agreed to meet with police and exchange contact details shortly before the protest. The meeting was arranged by Liberal Democrat MP David Howarth, who was to mediate at the meeting which was to take place at the House of Commons. Scotland Yard confirmed that a meeting was to take place with Bob Broadhurst (police commander) and Ian Thomas (chief superintendent).[47]The camp, which was intended to last for 24 hours, started at 12:30 pm when a camp was established in a section of Bishopsgate between Threadneedle Street and London Wall with tents set up and bunting across the road reading 'Nature doesn't do bailouts'.[48] There were solar-powered sound systems, musicians and a food stall and some 1,000-plus relaxed people.[49]Riot police 'kettle' protestersThe atmosphere was still relaxed at about 5 pm when police with helmets, shields and batons began to surround areas of the camp using section 14 of the Public Order Act 1986.[49]At about 7 pm the police stopped allowing people to enter or leave the protest.[50] The police advanced on protesters who put their hands in the air and passively resisted while chanting "This is not a riot",[51] a tactic that emerged over the course of a number of Camp for Climate Action gatherings.[52] There were scuffles with the police in which several protesters were hit and kicked by the police and one policewoman needed medical attention.[53] Within the cordon people carried on playing music and preparing food and until the police began letting people leave at about 11:30 pm[50] and cleared the area of the last protesters at about 2 am.[49]Organizers of the Climate Camp have released a report of the protests and the police response, "Demonstrating Respect for Rights", which includes allegations of police using violence to clear the camp after journalists had left.[54] The camp legal team also released a video of the protests, which includes footage of a demonstrator being struck on the head by a police riot shield, and of another man being punched in the face as the crowd retreats from police.[55]Alternative London SummitMark Thomas – 1 AprilAn 'alternative G20 Summit' with speakers including Tony Benn, Ken Loach, Ken Livingstone, John McDonnell and Caroline Lucas was scheduled to take place at the University of East London, which is close to where the main G-20 Summit was held.[15] At the last minute the university announced that the whole university would close for the duration of the summit on safety grounds, also that Prof Chris Knight, an expert in anthropology at the University for 20 years, had been suspended for "inciting criminal action, specifically violence against policemen and women and damage to banking institutions", and that the alternative summit was cancelled.[16] In the event, the summit did go ahead and was held on the lawns of the university and started an hour later than planned; 200–300 people attended.[17]PolicingPolice lines at the G20 Meltdown protestOperation GlencoeRiot police at the protestScotland Yard officers drew up Operation Glencoe, the plan to protect the summit and prevent disorder. The overall commander (the Gold commander) was Commander Bob Broadhurst.[56]Before the event Commander Simon O'Brien said that the capital would see "almost unprecedented level of activity" of protest activity with seven officially notified demonstrations and possibly many more they don't know about. Scotland Yard described the G20 policing plan as one of the largest, most challenging and complicated public order operations it has ever devised. They said that the level and style of activity on the internet suggested a re-emergence of groups with similar aims to the anti-globalisation protesters who turned to violence in 2000 and 2001. They said they were determined to avoid the violent scenes of the 2001 G8 in Genoa in which one protester was killed and hundreds more injured.[57] In the days leading up to the summit, the Metropolitan police warned protest groups that the protests on 1 April would be "very violent" and that they were "up for it, and up to it" in the event of trouble.[58]An injured protester with police medicsThe police used the crowd-control tactic known as containment or the “kettle”, to hold 5,000 people inside a police cordon without food, drink or lavatory facilities.[59] This combined with riot police pushing into crowds with shields and batons. [60]Ian Tomlinson died after being shoved and struck by a police officer within a police cordon of the G-20 Meltdown protest near the Bank of England. Initially the City of London Police denied that any incident with the police had occurred, and the death was attributed to natural causes.Including a number of raids on squats on 2 April 2009, the police made over 100 arrests and said they had identified and would track down those who had broken the law. A teenage girl was convicted of criminal damage[61] An estimated 5,000 people took part in the protests.[62] It has been suggested that the policing of the event will turn out to have been the most expensive police operation in British history at an estimated cost of up to £8 million, or £1,600 per protester.[63]One raid on a climate change group the day after the main protests was ruled to have been illegal in March 2010, the Met Commissioner said that it was unlawful to arrest and search protestors and to force them to be recorded on film. Two protesters were each awarded £3000 compensation after the Met admitted the operation was unlawful as there were no reasonable grounds for suspicion.[64]Response to police tacticsThe police choice of "Operation Glencoe" as a codename was linked with the Glencoe Massacre.[65][66] In the build up to the protests the chairman of the Joint Committee on Human Rights, Andrew Dismore, MP, said that "The police have a duty under the Human Rights Act to facilitate protest and not frustrate it. If they act in a confrontational way and use confrontation language, they will start to provoke the kind of behaviour they are seeking to prevent. There may well be a fringe element that want to incite violence. But that doesn't mean police should criminalise every protester." David Howarth, a Liberal Democrat MP, said: "I am increasingly worried that what the police are saying about the protests will end up in a self-fulfilling prophecy. By talking up the prospect of violence they [the police] will put off peaceful demonstrators and start to attract other sorts."[67]Jenny Jones, a member of the Metropolitan Police Authority, said of reports of police brutality that "If the police were hitting people who were sitting down with their hands up, we have entered a new era of overt violent policing in Britain that will deter people from protesting and cut back our civil liberties". A police Commander said that their "tactics were proportionate and worked".[68] Jean Lambert, MEP, of the London Green Party, wrote an open letter to the Metropolitan Police Commissioner after the event asking for an explanation of the police tactics at the climate camp.[69]A number of allegations of police misconduct have been reported, including by a press photographer.[70] The IPCC has received 185 complaints relating to police actions at the demonstrations, 40 of which were ineligible[71] and 80 of which concern violence.[72][73] An officer is being investigated and has received a written warning after writing "Rob Ward can't wait to bash some long haired hippys up @ the G20" as a Facebook status update on the evening of 1 April. Liberal Democrat MP Chris Huhne has noted "the canteen culture of some parts of the Met".[73]The National Union of Journalists has considered taking legal action after Section 14 of the Public Order Act 1986 was used against journalists covering the protests on 2 April. The City of London police asked them to leave the area at the Royal Exchange for half an hour, and threatened arrest if they refused.[74] Section 14 is to prevent "serious public disorder, serious criminal damage or serious disruption to the life of the community". The police earlier apologised to journalists reporting the 1 April protests at the Bank of England: "Section 14 was applied outside the Bank of England to disperse protesters. There may have been some photographers caught up in that. If so we apologise. We respect the right of photographers to cover current events."[75]Sir Paul Stephenson, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, expressed "concern that the video footage of some police actions are clearly disturbing and should be thoroughly investigated", and a need to be reassured that the use of the containment, or kettling tactic "remains appropriate and proportionate".[76] Denis O'Connor has said that some police behaviour "fell short of the police medal promise to "guard my people"."[77] Others have defended the policing of the protests. Sir Ken Jones, the President of the Association of Chief Police Officers, has criticised the lack of objectivity which he perceives has been shown by the media.[78] Jones went onto question the views put forward by Nick Hardwick, the Chair of the IPCC.[79] Jones also stated that he "can't think of any other country that doesn't use water cannons, CS gas, rubber bullets". The Police Federation has also criticised the IPCC, making a formal complaint about the "deplorable behaviour" of Nick Hardwick, Chairman of the IPCC, for passing "lofty and withering judgment on London's police officers".[77] Home Office Minister Lord West said in the House of Lords that "thousands of officers acted absolutely professionally and proportionately, thousands were actually able to demonstrate peacefully on our streets, criminal activity in the rest of the metropolis was kept to an absolute minimum and the police also maintained high levels of security. And I think we should be extremely proud of them. This does not excuse acts which are criminal and there are now investigations taking place for those particulars."[71] The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has defended the police,[80] and said that "I worry that there are large sections of the media that are currently engaged in a very unbalanced orgy of cop bashing".[81]Nicola Fisher videoMain article: Death of Ian Tomlinson § Nicola Fisher videoOn 14 April, media outlets published video taken during a vigil for Ian Tomlinson on 2 April outside the Bank of England, near to where he died. A sergeant with the Territorial Support Group is seen slapping a woman who was arguing with him, Nicola Fisher, across the face, then striking her legs with his baton. The officer's identification number was concealed.[82][83] The IPCC said it would investigate, and the officer was suspended.[83] Sir Paul Stephenson said that uniformed officers should always display their shoulder identification numbers, as "The public has a right to be able to identify any uniformed officer whilst performing their duty."[76] In September 2009, the officer was named as Sgt Delroy 'Tony' Smellie, and the CPS announced that it would charge him with assault.[84] The court case against Delroy Smellie commenced in March 2010 and he has been found not guilty.Another demonstrator, Katie Surridge, has alleged that she was pushed to the ground from behind on 1 April by the same officer who later struck Nicola Fisher. That incident has also been reported to the IPCC.[43] IPCC have announced that there is no case to answer.Review of the policing of public eventsOn 15 April 2009, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson asked the Chief Inspector of Constabulary to review policing tactics in the policing of public events. Denis O'Connor will review the policing of public events following allegations of two assaults by police during the G20 protests in London on 1 April. He will also assess whether the tactic of containment or kettling is appropriate and proportionate to ensuring people have the right to protest. He said the event was a "complex policing operation", and that footage of clashes with police will be reviewed to check if other incidents need to be examined. Sir Paul stressed that all uniformed officers must wear shoulder identification numbers to be easily identifiable by the public.[85] Among the tactics being reviewed is the crowd-control tactic known as the “kettle”, used to pen in protesters.[60] Bob Broadhurst, the commanding officer during the protests, blamed any misconduct of officers on the lack of training they receive in crowd control and on fear. He revealed during a Commons Home Affairs Committee that officers only receive 2 days of training a year.[86]On Tuesday 25 January 2011, Bob Broadhurst apologised to the home affairs select committee for telling then in May 2009 that no plain-clothes officers were present at the demonstrations; He admitted that numerous City of London police officers had been present at the demonstration, along with more than one Met officer, including PC Mark Kennedy.[87]On 14 April 2011 the high court has ruled that the Metropolitan police broke the law in the way they "kettled" protesters at the G20 demonstrations in 2009, and also criticised the use of force by officers.[88]Death of Ian TomlinsonMain article: Death of Ian Tomlinson Wikinews has related news: G20 protester dies after collapsing Wikinews has related news: Inquiry into death of vendor during G20 protests beginsIan Tomlinson, a newspaper vendor in the City of London, died within a police cordon of the G-20 Meltdown protest near the Bank of England. Initially the City of London Police denied that any incident with the police had occurred, and the death was attributed to natural causes. Days later, The Guardian published video showing Tomlinson had been pushed by a Metropolitan Police Service officer and hit with a baton minutes before he collapsed and died.[89]The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) subsequently ordered a second post mortem and set up an independent criminal inquiry to determine whether Tomlinson was assaulted by police, and whether that assault contributed to his death.[89] The results of this second post mortem have revealed that Tomlinson actually died from an abdominal haemorrhage. A police officer has since been questioned under caution in the ongoing probe into Tomlinson's death.[90]

The C20 (or ‘Civil Society 20’) is a platform for dialogue between the political leaders of G20 countries and representatives of civil society organisations. Through the C20, civil society can have a say in the discussions shaping our global economy.

The Australian C20 Steering Committee is comprised of people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. The Australian Government appointed the Members of the Steering Committee in their own right due to their relevant and diverse experiences and talents, and/or because they also lead major Australian civil society organisations.

The Australian C20 Steering Committee has drawn on the networks, talents, concerns and wisdom of the international as well as Australian civil society in developing its policy approaches and in drafting its recommendations.

Within the context of the G20’s agenda, it is concerned primarily with promoting inclusive and sustainable growth.

Tim Costello Chair, World Vision Australia
Cassandra Goldie Deputy Chair, Australian Council of Social Service
Kelvin Alley Salvation Army
Joseph Assaf Ethnic Business Awards
Frank Brennan Australian Catholic University
Jody Broun Aboriginal Advocate
Ian Callinan High Court, retired Justice
Tara Curlewis National Council of Churches of Australia
Julie McKay Australian National Committee for UN Women
Dermot O’Gorman WWF
Rob Moodie Melbourne University
Marc Purcell Australian Council for International Development
Bills Scales Swinburne University
Sally Sinclair National Employment Services Association
Rauf Soulio Australian Multicultural Council
Helen Szoke Oxfam Australia
Greg Thompson Transparency International Australia
Joanne Yates C20 Sherpa

Why the C20 matters

The Group of 20 (G20) is a key decision-making forum for the global economy.

In 2008 the G20 played a key role in tackling the global financial crisis, and since then the leaders of the G20 nations have met regularly to discuss ways to promote growth and build economic resilience.

The issues discussed by the G20 like economic reform and tax, trade, infrastructure investment, anti-corruption, development and employment, shape billions of individual lives as well as government agendas.
What’s at stake?

Can you see a difference between:

Economic growth at any cost, and inclusive growth that narrows the gap between rich and poor, both within and between nations?
Infrastructure programs which are just about roads, rail and buildings, and an agenda that also includes social infrastructure like health and caring services?
A global economy reliant on fossil fuel subsidies, and one committed to tackling climate change and transitioning to sustainable energy sources?

In each case the C20 sought to advocate a greater understanding and consideration of the latter model as the one for the G20 to follow in its future decision making.
How we shaped the agenda

Through our public online consultation, we reached out to international civil society to choose the focus areas for our advocacy: inclusive growth and employment, infrastructure, climate and sustainability, and governance.
Between February and May an online crowdsourcing website – C20 Conversations – allowed everyone to help shape our recommendations around these key themes.
In June the C20 Summit in Melbourne discussed and confirmed these key recommendations.
From the C20 Summit in June to the Leaders’ Summit in November, we advocated our recommendations for inclusive economic reform, and for the need for climate change to be discussed as a formal agenda item at the Brisbane Summit.

The 2006 G-20 Meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors was held in Melbourne, Australia between November 18 and November 19, 2006. Issues discussed included "the outlook for the global economy; developments in resource markets and ways to improve their efficiency; the impact of demographic change on global financial markets; and further reform of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank."[1]

Venue

The Grand Hyatt Melbourne Hotel was the venue for most of the events and was also the location where most of the dignitaries stayed. this year countries like Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, America and the European Union

Security

Security throughout Melbourne was extremely tight for the duration of the summit. As of midnight November 14 parking was banned throughout the eastern CBD surrounding the Grand Hyatt.[2]

Concern had been sparked that Victoria Police may be overstretched due to the large amount of events in Melbourne that weekend, on top of the G20 summit there was a U2 concert at the Telstra Dome and a 'Make Poverty History' concert at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Victoria Police also warned that protesters may attempt to occupy inner-city buildings, and they recommended "corporations (should) consider hiring extra security."[3]

G20 Meeting

In a first for the G20 meeting, an elite business group was able to address the Finance Ministers and Reserve Bank leaders. A new organisation, the Energy and Minerals Business Council comprising BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and many of the world's most powerful mining and oil companies met in the same hotel and could lobby G20 delegates over a business lunch.[4][5]

The meeting of finance ministers in their communique called for free markets in oil and other forms of energy, and warned that economic policy needed to be tightened to reign in big deficits and 'easy money'. "We need to take advantage of the present strength in the global economy to get policy settings right," they declared in their statement.[6]

The ministers rejected Australia's timetable for reforming the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, but reiterated their commitment to reform.

Climate change was not on the formal agenda, but a strong push by chief secretary to the British Treasury, Stephen Timms forced global warming and the Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change to be briefly discussed as part of the context of promoting free markets as the way to energy security.[7] The G20 communique said "We discussed the links between energy and climate change policy, including the role of market-based mechanisms, and agreed that the G-20 would monitor this issue."[8]

Development aid was also given only brief discussion despite calls for development aid to be increased by Oxfam and other non-governmental organisations.[9]

Protests

On Friday the 17th there were several invasions in buildings by small bands of protesters in Melbourne, such as Orica where over 100 protesters occupied the chemical services department, delivering a letter to the General Manager for mining chemicals, and faxing it to communities along a cyanide transport route.[10] All ANZ branches in the Melbourne CBD were closed during the afternoon of November 17 due to protest action against ANZ investment in military industries.[11][12][13]

Behaviour of protestors

The main anti-globalisation protest was organised by the StopG20 coalition for Saturday November 18.[14] This march stopped at the police barricades in Russell Street where a festive carnival atmosphere prevailed. Some protesters moved to other streets,[15] where confrontations with the police occurred, while most protesters who went to the main rally and march went home never being aware of the confrontations on other streets until they watched the news that evening.[16]

On Collins and Russell Streets, barricades were ripped down and pushed at riot police who were called in to help quell the situation. A militant group of protesters known as the Arterial Bloc,[17][18] dressed in white clothing with hoods covering their faces, collected industrial bins and dumpsters and used Melbourne's tram tracks to slide them into barricades and police, resulting in minor injuries to several police, the most serious being a broken wrist. At one stage a police riot truck was attacked with its windows smashed.[19] By 15:00 local time, the nearby Grand Hyatt had gone into 'lock down'. The organizers of the protesters had expected up to 10,000 people to come,[20] however the number of people that showed was slightly over 3,000.

Behaviour of police

A preliminary report by an independent human rights observer team noted "high level overall of police discipline and restraint in the face of deliberately provocative actions by some protesters, lasting many hours" and "Police command were seen to be encouraging the consideration of force as a staged option, rather than as a first response, which is to be commended." However the report noted that "Our timeline analysis points to a decline in police restraint over a period of time”.[21]

Late Saturday evening about 100 Police attacked a festive gathering outside Parliament House.[22]

On Sunday police in a running baton charge attacked a small group of anti-G20 protesters at the Melbourne Museum causing injuries to one person requiring an ambulance.[23] The same day, non-uniformed police detained a man, Drasko Bolejevic, after he was mistakenly identified as being involved with the G20 protests. Mr Bolejevic alleged he was abused and assaulted before being released from custody without charge two hours later.[24][25]

Operation Salver

Victoria Police set up Operation Salver to investigate further possible charges from the G20 protest.[26] In January 2007 police released to the media 28 photos of 'persons of interest' to their investigation. Terry O'Gorman from the Australian Council for Civil Liberties described their publication as an "impermissible and unfair practice" and "Because of the longstanding court rules that where identity is an issue, photographs should not be published, the police, in publishing these photographs, have gone beyond what is permissible and should be criticised for it,"[27] As of March 2007, 40 people have been arrested over the protest on charges including riot, affray, and criminal damage.[28] No police have been disciplined for their behaviour.

Participating members

G20 countries:

1.  Argentina

2.  Australia

3.  Brazil

4.  Canada

5.  China

6.  European Union, including

7.  France

8.  Germany

9.  Italy

10.  Turkey

11.  India

12.  Indonesia

13.  Japan

14.  Mexico

15.  Russia

16.  Saudi Arabia

17.  South Africa

18.  South Korea

19.  United Kingdom

20.  United States

See also

• G20 developing nations