- 16 Oct 2013 10:01
#14314512
I just think this was outrageous behaviour against Geoff Shaw - both by the protestors and by labor and the media. The latest footage that was released today clearly shows several protestors physically attacking Mr Shaw, and Shaw's only reaction was to defend himself. Worst of all, if you are aware of the mobile footage filmed by one of the protestors, the commentary clearly shows that these ratbags were deliberately out to get this sort of reaction from Shaw. Then the labor leader joined in demanding that Napthine kick Shaw out of the liberal party (as if Napthine has any say in that), on the false idea that Shaw acted aggressively against a defenseless 79 year old.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-16/c ... ection=vic
Protester denies punching Geoff Shaw during altercation at Victorian Parliament
The protestor involved in yesterday's physical confrontation with independent MP Geoff Shaw has denied he made contact first.
New security vision has been released this afternoon, showing Mr Shaw being accosted by taxi industry protestors on the steps of Parliament House.
No guards were on duty at the time.
John Zammit, 79, fell down during the scuffle and sustained a cut to his cheek. He has denied any wrongdoing.
"Even if I touched him, I didn't punch him, okay? I didn't punch him," he said.
"Say if I touched him, like you say, I didn't punch him.
"He was the one kicking me like a cow when I was on the floor, as an old man, as a politician, you shouldn't hit an old man in the first place."
Mr Zammit was back outside Parliament today with a bandaid on his face.
The security vision, released by Speaker Ken Smith, is from Parliament House at the time of the incident.
It shows Mr Shaw walking along the footpath outside the Spring Street building when he is surrounded by several people, including one person who appears to be grabbing him.
Geoff Shaw Photo: Victorian independent MP Geoff Shaw (centre) says he was heckled and spat upon in the altercation. (ABC News)
As he continues to walk up the front steps the scuffle continued, with a number of people pushing and shoving.
Mr Smith says the security guards were between shifts at the time.
He says Shaw has since visited the doctor over concerns about his blood pressure and has made a statement to police.
Mr Shaw is not in Parliament today.
The Speaker says Mr Shaw is under sustained pressure "more than most of could cope with over the last 18 months".
Mr Smith says he released the vision because the incident was reported on before all the facts were known.
In a statement yesterday, Mr Shaw said he was heckled, spat upon and hit by protesters as he entered Parliament.
The protesters are angry about reforms to the taxi industry which would lower the value of taxi licences.
Calls for Parliament security review
The incident has led to calls for a review of security at the Parliament buildings.
"I think there are opportunities to examine the security with regard to the Parliament," Victorian Premier Denis Napthine said.
"My understanding is that other parliaments around Australia and around the world have opportunities for MPs to enter and leave the Parliament in a way that is secure.
"This perhaps should be examined for the Victorian Parliament."
Dr Napthine says he met with taxi protesters at Werribee last week, including Mr Zammit.
He described the meeting as "fairly robust."
"They're very passionate people. They are very passionate about the issue they're pursuing," he said.
Bruce Atkinson, the president of the Legislative Council, says MPs must be protected.
"Members can't be impeded and it sets a very dangerous precedent," he said.
"We're just concerned about the access that members and staff have to Parliament. They need a safe workplace like anyone else."
The Premier called the incident ugly and unacceptable but says he will not intervene to take action against the independent MP.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-16/c ... ection=vic
Seems its catching on. 
- By Fasces
- By Tainari88
- By wat0n