Occupy Sydney occupies Council

The City of Sydney is planning a major City Talk event with Occupy Sydney following a fierce debate in Council on Monday night.

The Council chambers were packed with Occupy protestors who had come to see the results of Councillor Doutney’s minute requesting the City support the Occupy movement and its aim to reduce economic inequality.

The motion requested Council’s help with establishing a location for the Occupy Sydney movement. Organisers also demanded a community forum to talk about Occupy’s ideas and they insisted the Lord Mayor write to the Ombudsman to review Police activities during the movement eviction at Martin Place last month.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said she supported the movement and their right to protest but not their antagonism toward the police.

“I very strongly support the right to protest and I strongly support the aims of the Global Occupy Sydney movement but we don’t support the right for people to camp in our city.”

Ms Moore said a City Talk forum in which the Occupy Sydney members would be invited, would be the best way to support the movement as it would spread its most valuable asset – its message.

“I would invite key community representatives, businesses and our state and federal members.”

Cr Irene Doutney, who visited the movement everyday of its Martin Place occupation responded to Ms Moore’s suggestion by reaffirming her will to talk about the inappropriate actions of the police.

“No one actually cares about the brutality of the police when dealing with peaceful protest,” she said.

“We’re not brave enough to address this issue.”

The audience of Occupy members responded to this and the resolution to have a City Talk with shouts of “Shame” prompting Ms Moore to adjourn the meeting.

Following the recommencement of the meeting and further shouts from protestors Ms Moore became agitated and raised her voice at the protest movement’s antagonism toward the police.

“Engaging with current elected members and future members is the way our democracy works,” she said.

“I believe this rally should be about getting your message out there.”

Cr Shayne Mallard said the City Talk would be an inefficient use of resources because the Occupy Sydney movement is uncooperative.

“I’m hesitant to invite Occupy members to a City Forum,” he said.

“I can’t support the city giving them resources. They haven’t demonstrated good faith in the city.”

Cr Mallard had earlier cautiously agreed with Cr Doutney’s assertion on Police brutality.

“I have been alarmed at the heavy handed nature of the Police for the last five years,” he said.