Tonight we report on the latest carbon protest which took place in Marrickville, in inner Sydney today. We are joined during the show by Anne Easby who was at the protest and who filed this report earlier today:

Five hundred people marched on Anthony Albanese's office today to protest about his insult to the Convoy of No Confidence on 22 August 2011.  The rally and march were organised by Consumer and Taxpayer Association Jacques Laxale, as a result of public outrage after Mr Albanese, the Member for Grayndler, called the Convoy "the Convoy of No Consequence" during question time while the protest was underway. 

Mr Albanese is the Federal Labor Member for Grayndler, the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport and Leader of the House and his comments were reported by the media across Australia. The Gillard Government laughed at Mr Albanese's comments and an emboldened Kelvin Thompson, Labor MP for Wills in Victoria, later called the Convoy "the convoy of incontinence" after he'd seen a two Winnebagos and a caravan parked near Parliament House.  At no time did any member of the Government walk 200 metres across the road to meet with the Convoy to hear their grievances.

The well behaved but very vocal crowd marched down Marrickville Road behind the 'death of democracy' coffin, carrying various signs and armed with megaphones, Australian flags and inflatable toy hammers.  People of all ages and many nationalities joined in the call for a new election, to stop the carbon tax and Government waste.  Many were angry about the Government's mishandling of the Malaysian solution, the direct threat to News Ltd by Bob Brown and the removal of pages from the Internet after direct requests to media bosses by Ms Gillard.  But what the crowd really wanted was an apology from Mr Albanese for his comments.  No apology was forthcoming.

Mr Albanese, flanked by security, addressed the rally and answered questions presented to him by Chris Johnson from CATA.  Mr Albanese answered the questions, however gave his support to the Gillard Government and said he fully supported the Government's position on the carbon tax. He also told the rally that there were more people at the Petersham Town Hall question and answer night last month than at the Marrickville protest.  These comments did nothing to endear him to the crowd, and his voice was drowned out by calls for a new election and for the Government to stop the carbon tax.  

Other speakers at the rally included the Victorian Liberal Federal Member for Indi, Sophie Mirabella.  Ms Mirabella said "Please maintain your right to a democratic say.  Please do not ever be intimidated, no matter how smarmy, how sarcastic any member of parlimanet is, no matter how exalted their position.  Never be intimidated.'

Malcolm Roberts from the Galileo Movement spoke to the crowd about the science and presented a two-page document to Mr Albanese for comment.  Anita Donlan drove all the way to Sydney from Bendigo Victoria, to address the rally.  Ms Donlan was MC at the Convoy rally in Canberra and was insulted by Mr Albanese's comments against decent, hardworking Australians who had travelled for days to be heard in Canberra.  

94 year old ex POW, Verdun Walsh, joined the protest because he was deeply offended and wanted his voice to be heard.  He carried a placard saying "I am 94 years of age, an ex POW, I am not incontinent, I am not of no consequence, I vote, save the Labor Party name, resign now Mr Albanese".  Other speakers included Norma Biggood, Angela Liati and Peter Madden from the Christian Democrats.

It is concerning that the media is reporting Mr Albanese was ‘jostled’ and abused at the rally.  This is not correct.  Mr Albanese was surrounded by security and the organisers confirm nothing physical occurred.  The mood of the crowd was angrier today than at previous rallies and after speaking to many people, it is evident that the people there were disgusted by the performance of the Government and very concerned about the damage they are doing to Australia.

A smaller pro carbon tax rally was organised by GetUp! to commence an hour before the rally, however crowd numbers were small - estimated at 25-50 people.  Mr Albanese told the GetUp! supporters that he was incredulous that 200 people thought they could change the mind of a Government.  

Mr Albanese was obviously walking on both sides of the fence today.

In other news today we look at the latest BBC hit-piece on the 9/11 truth movement and the government's failed refugee deal with Malaysia.

Thanks for listening!

Related Links

• www.nocarbontax.com.au
• The Conspiracy Files: 9/11 Ten Years On
• 'Rewriting of Act' puts offshore deals in doubt