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 Farmers march on Parliament in support of Peter Spencer 

Farmers march on Parliament in support of Peter Spencer

MICHAEL INMAN
04 Jan, 2010 05:33 AM
LONE hunger striker Peter Spencer broke down in tears yesterday as his supporters prepared to march on Canberra to protest against vegetation laws.

The story of Mr Spencer’s 42-day hunger strike against the laws has resulted in a wave of support across Australia leading to the protest at Parliament House and The Lodge.

At least six buses of protesters from the eastern states will today meet at Magna Carta Place, at the far western end of the Old Parliament House gardens, before marching on Parliament House and The Lodge to object to the laws that prevent farmers clearing vegetation so Australia can meet Kyoto carbon commitments.

The gathering has been dubbed the Cooee Drive, referring to the famed Cooee March from Gilgandra to Sydney in 1915, which recruited soldiers for World War I.

After the Canberra rally, supporters will travel to Shannons Flat for a second demonstration below the ‘‘Tower of Hope’’ Mr Spencer has called home since November.

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Date: Newest first | Oldest first
Farmers ripped off again. If its not the supermarkets its the government. They're probably all in on it anyway. It really is time farmers became more militant, we've taken too much crap for to long.
Posted by mick, 4/01/2010 6:13:46 AM, on The Land
As much as this whole affair is distasteful, not least due to the activities of an individual who believes he can blackmail a government, why has it taken 42 days for supporters to rally to Mr. Spencer’s cause? Why wait this long? Is it because they can now see some gain for themselves, after Spencer has (seemingly) shown he is serious about throwing away his own life?
Posted by Bushie Bill, 4/01/2010 6:23:49 AM, on The Land
Hold the line boys, show Refugee Rudd and his insipid Government the real Aussie spirit - democracy and a fair go!
Posted by Tigerdicky, 4/01/2010 6:40:56 AM, on The Land
If Kevin can’t solve a problem like this then he doesn’t deserve to be PM. Also has anyone else noticed the lack of media coverage is on this topic - I’m thinking Kevin may end up the most unpopular political figure since John Kerr if this isn’t resolved soon
Posted by Peter, 4/01/2010 7:27:05 AM, on The Land
Now, while everyone is together, why not form the Peter Spencer Country Party so we can carry the fight to the floor of parliament?
Posted by Trugger, 4/01/2010 7:56:58 AM, on The Land
Bushie Bill: It has not taken supporters 42 days to rally. If you cared more about Australians' RIGHTS you would know that! NO, THERE IS NO PERSONAL GAIN BILL, THIS ALL ABOUT EACH AND EVERY AUSTRALIAN AND THEIR RIGHTS THAT HAVE BEEN STOLEN FROM THEM.
Posted by Anne, 4/01/2010 8:22:57 AM, on The Land
Paying a $5 dollar levee to a farmer fighting fund would do more than the MLA having parties in other countries to promote our meat industry. All Peter is asking is fair go. If it's for the good of the nation, then all the nation should shoulder the burden. Locking up land without proper management and thinking it will return to its original state is a greenish dream when the next fire will take it back instead of forward and kill all the wildlife. And where are all the greens when we are fighting the fires? In their air-conditioned offices making new laws and not following up on the previous laws that they got passed.
Posted by Tonytwotimbers, 4/01/2010 8:32:43 AM, on The Land
Err, Peter, John Kerr was the Governor-General. He was not a political figure. In fact, if he, and others carrying out the Governor-General role, were political, it would be diametrically opposed to their legal obligations. John Kerr was not appointed to be popular, only to do a job. And Tugger, who do you think should be the leader of your proposed Peter Spencer Country Party and how would it work and be different to the Nationals?
Posted by Bushie Bill, 4/01/2010 8:34:50 AM, on The Land
Bushie Bill you are an ass. Peter has always had support and I assume from your comment you are not a farmer nor in the position we are in due to this government. How would you like it if some did the same to you???
Posted by JOX01, 4/01/2010 9:58:43 AM, on The Land
Peter Spencer is standing up for all Australians not just the farmers and the injustices and the corruption of the Federal and State Governments. Under the Constitution Water and Education are supposed to be FREE, so why do our councils charge us water rates?
Posted by Darby, 4/01/2010 10:00:25 AM, on The Land
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Peter Spencer in healthier days prior to the start of his hunger strike.
Peter Spencer in healthier days prior to the start of his hunger strike.
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