Protesters storm stage before Anthony Albanese speaks at key resources event
Updated . First published at
Several activists stormed the stage before Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered a speech in Western Australia this morning.
Before the prime minister spoke at the Chamber of Minerals and Energy breakfast at the Westin Hotel in Perth, three people jumped on stage, shouting loud protests against a proposed expansion for a major oil project in the state.
The trio were quickly led away by security off the stage and out of the event.
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One of the activists shouted "disrupt Burrup Hub!" and "Block Browse!" before being led away. Nine
The protesters were later revealed to be part of the Disrupt Burrup Hub group, which is actively protesting against the expansion of Woodside's Burrup Hub in Karratha.
"Disrupt Burrup Hub! Block Browse!" one of the protesters, revealed by the group to be an 18-year-old man called Will, shouted.
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The protesters were led away and forced to leave the hotel. Nine
A female protester, 19, accused Woodside of committing "ecocide".
Disrupt Burrup Hub confirmed the trio were led away from the hotel and issued move-on notices.
The expansion of Woodside's assets in WA has caused controversy due to the potential impact on animal and marine life in the Browse Basin region, as well as important cultural sites potentially being damaged or destroyed.
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Albanese reaffirmed his right to support protest, but insisted it had to be repectful. Nine
Speaking to reporters after the incident and after his speech, Prime Minister Albanese said he welcomed the protest, but said it had to be done in the "right way", though he did not specifically refer to this morning's events.
"People have a right to protest and by all means express their views, but they can do so in a way that is appropriate," he said, noting there had been an increase in threats towards him and other politicians.
"We need to turn the temperature down on public debate, there is no need for some of the positions that are put forward, in the manner which they are forwarded as well."
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