March in March - People Power - a vote of no confidence in the current Federal Government.
Sunday 16th March 2014
marchinmarchm@gmail.com
A Peaceful, non-partisan citizens’ march from The State Library of Victoria to rally at Treasury Gardens to protest against the current government’s policy decisions that are against the common good of our nation. This signifies the people’s vote of no confidence in policies of the government that go against common principles of humanity, decency, fairness social justice and equity, democratic governance, responsible global citizenship and conserving our natural heritage.
The Purpose:
The purpose of March in March Australia 2014 is to provide the people of Australia with the opportunity to come together to protest a unity vote of no confidence in the Abbott Government in capital cities and regional centres throughout Australia over the weekend of 15th & 16th March, culminating in a march on Parliament House in Canberra on Monday 17th March 2014.
Who is March in March?
March in March Australia 2104 is being organised by a core group of people in an executive role with a broader team of specialist volunteers supporting them. There are a team of event organisers in each capital city; and regional centres where events are being organised by local people. All roles are being undertaken by volunteers who have come forward to make this happen.
Members of the core organising group are not aligned with, and do not have any formal associations with any group or organisation relevant to this protest march. They have skills and experience useful to this initiative;, however are not professional organisers.
How did March in March Australia 2014 start – where are things up to?
Towards the end of 2013 a Twitter account @MarchinMarch_2014 appeared garnering support for the idea of a protest march in Canberra in March surrounding Parliament House. There was some support for the idea. On Monday evening it became apparent in Twittersphere that the guy who had the idea wasn’t able to proceed with the organising due to some unforseen personal circumstances.
A few people offered to see what they could do – contact GetUp was the first option identified.
Those people were Craig, Tim and Sally. It became clear on Tuesday morning that if the march was to go ahead it was necessary to start organising things immediately, Jan came on board to assist with this.
A Facebook page was set up to connect with people and invite people to help and participate – true grass roots activism.
In addition to the Canberra protest, it was considered given the level of dissatisfaction with the Abbott government from many sectors of the community who have been affected by decisions and policies, and the general concern about the lack of decency, integrity, transparency, regard for humanity and so on, it would make a greater statement of protest if there were coinciding protests in the capital cities, and regional centres where we could get people to organise them. This was a “call to arms” – if people wanted this to happen, they would need to become in involved.
People from across the country have heard the call and come forward to do their bits. There are organisers in place in each of the capital cities, and in several regional centres after two days of campaigning.
Many many people have come forward to offer their help with their local marches and local organising teams are coming together.
Who can participate?
Anyone.
The protest is open to any individual, group or organisation who wishes to express their lack of confidence in the Abbott government in a peaceful and respectful way.
Groups and organisations may march with their own banners and placards with peaceful and respectful expressions of their issues. Groups and organisations will be invited to participate in the march. People from groups and organisations are also coming forward in a personal capacity to offer assistance.
The criterion for this march is a lack of confidence in the Abbott government – simple as that.
What if I can’t march?
If you are not able to march, then there can be innovative ways you can participate – hold a gathering in your home or outside your workplace with some friends during your lunch break with some placards and banners or notices that outline your grievances peacefully and respectfully – take a photo and "post it" to sites that will be established for this purpose – it doesn't have to be on that day for you.
You could take a "selfie" with a sign...
We would then create a collage with the words "We are with you" for the Canberra event which will send a powerful message of your participation.
More information on where to “post” you pictures will be provided as soon as it becomes available.
What is the point of doing this?
This is a symbolic gesture of protest – it is a powerful demonstration of the level of dissatisfaction with the Abbott government.
It sends a loud visible message to a government who is not hearing.
Many individuals, groups, and organisations have been adversely affected by Abbott government decisions, actions and policies, and are protesting this issue by issue – however the impact in demanding the government listen and hear what is being said to them on all these issues.
There are also the decisions, actions and policies that are damaging Australia as a nation at an international level across trade and diplomacy.
Details of these decisions, actions and policies since the election are here www.sallymcmanus.net
This march gives ordinary Australians a voice to demand a better performance from the Federal government.
Watch Senator Scott Ludlum (a man I greatly admire even if I personally am not too keen on the Greens themselves) give an eloquent speech about our current Prime Minister below:
Watch some kids destroy the PM from a couple of days ago here.
Do visit Sally's site mentioned above especially this post on the (continuing) broken election promises.
It actually could be quite interesting today as this is the first protest to take place since the draconian 'move on' laws were passed by the state government earlier in the week. Laws that have been described as a targeted and strategic offensive against unions and organised political protests.
Will the government try to be seen as flexing their muscles especially maybe as the Grand Pricks also takes place today here in Melbourne and the government may feel that allowing democracy to be seen taking place in this city is not what they want the hordes (ahem) of international visitors to see.
I will also be thinking about Reza Berati today as well as the man who galvanised my political beliefs coming of age in the seventies and beyond.
I have been here before having left the UK in 1983 with about 20 quid in my pocket and no real idea where I was going but I just could not take another day of living under Thatcher and her divisive policies.
I am too old to uproot again so my message to the left is get your shit together.
For me and my children's sake.
See you at the march
