Geelong rally builds solidarity with Palestine, slams war industries

Written by: Bill F. on 27 October 2024

On Saturday 26 October, a lively rally in Geelong attracted more than 200 people opposed to the slaughter and shameful murder of the Palestinian and Lebanese people by the Israeli Zionists.

The rally was organised by local anti-war and anti-AUKUS groups, IPAN Geelong and Vic SouthWest, with assistance and participation from other organisations with similar concerns.

Location for the rally was a local strip of parkland directly opposite the electoral office of Richard Marles, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Defence, and number one collaborator with the war plans of US imperialism. Needless to say, there were more cops protecting his office than concerned about the “safety” of demonstrators.

If Marles happened to be looking out the window at his fine view across the park onto the harbour, he would have seen a host of Palestinian flags, anti-war banners and placards, stalls, a barbeque, and heard loud anti-war songs. It got even more lively when a 15-car motorcade of Palestine supporters arrived from Melbourne, honking horns and waving to the crowd as they circled the median strip between Marles’ office and the park.

Speakers at the rally included a local Geelong councillor, anti-war activists and Palestine-Lebanon activists. As well as condemning the Israeli genocidal agenda, they exposed the role of US imperialism as the main enabler and apologist for the ongoing war crimes.

Maritime Union Deputy Branch Secretary David Ball reported on the International Transport Workers Federation Congress in Spain, which had passed a resolution of solidarity with Palestine.

The Albanese government also copped a good swipe for its slavish echoing of US foreign policy, its AUKUS war-alliance and its promotion of a new weapons industry in the name of revitalising Australian manufacturing. Following on the Elbit contract between the federal government and the Israeli weapons company, the city of Geelong is now being promoted as a weapons manufacturing centre. Not only Marles, but the Geelong City Council and a mob called Geelong Defence Alliance is pushing this barrow.

With the US Presidential election only days away, the situation is fluid. Nevertheless, sections of the Australian people are becoming more aware of the threat of war and the risks of the US alliance/AUKUS and are increasingly uneasy about the future. This was also reflected by the good number of passing cars that waved or honked the rally as they drove by.

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