'Disappointed': Defence expo organiser breaks silence on violent protests
Exclusive: The organiser of a defence expo that has sparked violent protests in Melbourne has broken his silence, condemning the demonstrations.
Speaking exclusively with A Current Affair, AMDA Foundation chief executive Justin Giddings maintained the Land Forces Defence Expo was "hugely important" for the weapons industry and denounced the approach protestors have taken.
"We acknowledge that people have got the right to protest, we are disappointed in some of the methods they've used," Giddings said.
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AMDA Foundation chief executive Justin Giddings maintained the Land Forces Defence Expo was "hugely important" for the weapons industry. Nine
"I just wanted to shout out to Victoria Police who have been outstanding along the whole planning and also the execution today.
"Everyone has had a great and enjoyable time at the expo and we hope it continue for another two days."
Protestors assembled around the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre just before dawn clad in black clothing with masks and goggles.
Protestors lit several bins on fire and turfed acid and horse manure at police. Nine
Fired up demonstrators used stun grenades, lit fires and turfed acid and horse manure at police.
Police unleashed pepper spray and rubber bullets on the unruly crowd, as some conference attendees were forced to turn around.
Inside the military show, army tanks, guns and missiles were on show for visiting defence chiefs from around the world.
"We have 25 chiefs from around the world attending. we've got 31 countries here ... 995 exhibitors, so to bring them all together to showcase Australian industry capability and innovation it vitally important," Giddings said.
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The convention, and the protests, are expected to run until Friday, with police worried things could get even uglier. Nine
Australian Army Lieutenant Colonel Adam Seary echoed Giddings' sentiments.
"Land Forces is an important opportunity for the army to collaborate with defence industry," Lieutenant Colonel Seary said.
"Army doesn't have all the solutions to all the challenges that are prevalent in the region right now.
"And we need to work hand in glove with industry to find answers to those particularly challenging problems. "
Despite the protests, Land Forces organisers are standing by their decision to go ahead with the event.
The convention, and the protests, are expected to run until Friday, with police worried things could get even uglier.
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