TAKING A STAND: Terry Armistead (ETU) with others construction workers with the ETU and CFMEU. PHOTO: KATE HEALY.
VICTORIANS of all stripes have taken the opportunity to see their democracy in action in Ballarat today.
School and university students, construction workers, bikie clubs members, unionists and the state’s lawmakers have all descended on the University of Ballarat at Mt Helen for a special regional sitting of the lower house.
Around 200 protesters braved cold and windy conditions to send a message to Premier Ted Baillieu, calling for a reversal to the recent $200 million cuts to the state’s TAFE sector.
While the crowd was smaller than expected, organisers praised construction workers who left a nearby worksite in a show of solidarity.
Members of the Vikings and Rebels motorcycle clubs also joined the rally, wearing shirts comparing Mr Baillieu with Nazi leader Adolf Hitler.
The club members told journalists they were protesting new anti-assoication laws recently proposed by the government.
As Cabinet ministers attended an official lunch nearby, Australian Education Union president Mary Bluett encouraged the crowd to make Mr Baillieu a one-term premier.
Local primary school pupil Sally said she was happy to see the parliament in action.
“It is good to see them doing their work and to know more about how laws are made,” she said.
MPs are set to take part in Question Time and an adjournment debate this afternoon, with speculation the government will make a significant announcement before returning to Melbourne.
