Refugee Action Coalition of NSW
MEDIA RELEASE
29 March 2005
Police slander outrageous - protesters demand an apology
The Refugee Action Coalition of NSW is demanding an official apology from South Australia’s Police Commissioner Mal Hyde
after he tried to apportion blame for road deaths to the Baxter protesters.
"The slanderous allegation that somehow pro-refugee protesters are responsible for South Australian road deaths is
absolutely outrageous and we expect a formal apology," said Ian Rintoul of the Refugee Action Coalition."
"The police presence at Baxter was a way over-the-top and totally unnecessary. If Commissioner Hyde thinks that popping
protesters balloons, smashing kites and arresting people for "flying kites" is a police priority then his judgement is
seriously flawed."
"Police leave was cancelled over the Easter long weekend and Federal police boosted the numbers at Baxter. Official
police statements before the protest reassured the public that the police were confident that there were sufficient
numbers to cater for the protests, road duties and other events."
"I suspect that Commissioner Hyde is embarrassed that his balloon popping police force has been made to look ridiculous
at Baxter and is lashing out."
"Road deaths are a serious issue and to direct blame for these deaths at protesters is outrageous and unacceptable and
only diminishes his office even further. On behalf of the hundreds of protesters that Commissioner Hyde has slandered,
the Refugee Action Coalition demands a formal apology."
Contact: Ian Rintoul 0417 275 713
Police blame Baxter protest for reducing road patrols
ABC Online
Tuesday March 29 2005 11:47am (AEST)
South Australia's Police Commissioner says those protesting at the Baxter detention centre over Easter have to take some
responsibility for diverting police resources from the roads.
Six people died on South Australian roads over the long weekend, one of the worst Easter holiday road tolls in years.
Up to 400 police officers spent the weekend at Baxter, making 16 arrests during clashes with demonstrators.
Commissioner Mal Hyde says those police resources could have been better used.
"Those protesters need to consider that the results of their protests means that we've got less people on the road
dealing with road safety and so quite clearly we could have perhaps had a better result," he said.
"We don't know whether we would have had a better result, but we certainly would have had more police on the road for
road safety."