News

Land Forces Expo is returning to Melbourne, despite sparking mass riots

Published on

A controversial weapons exhibition will return Melbourne in two years, despite the latter event spawning some of the largest and most violent events in the city protests in decades.
Victorian Prime Minister Jacinta Allan today confirmed the state will host the Land Forces Expo 2028, a move she said would “enhance Victoria’s international reputation”.
This year’s event, scheduled for October, was moved to Perth following the violence sparked by the latest event at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, which included arrests and allegations of police overreach.
The latest Land Forces Expo sparked some of Melbourne’s largest protests in decades. (Nine)
Police say some horses were targeted by demonstrators during the 2024 protests. (Photo by Chris Hopkins)

The expo aims to showcase weapons and defense capabilities, as well as medical technologies and humanitarian aid systems, targeting both domestic and foreign customers.

The last expo in September 2024 saw chaotic scenes on the streets of Melbourne as thousands of anti-war demonstrators marched in protest against the expo.

Twenty-seven police officers were injured and 42 people were arrested on the first day of the protests.

Police were called from New South Wales to assist Victorian officers as about 1,000 troops attended to control the crowd.

The final Land Forces Expo at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Center in September 2024 will showcase defense capabilities including tanks and unmanned vehicles. (Sherryn Groch)
Anti-war protests descended into chaos in Melbourne, with around a thousand police officers called in. (Getty)

Protesters were accused of throwing projectiles such as rocks, suspected human feces, horse manure and balloons containing unknown liquids at officers.

“We support the economic opportunities created by Victoria’s defense industry and the 29,000 jobs it supports,” Minister of State for Defense Colin Brooks said in a statement.

The Greens have rejected the decision, calling the Labor government ‘out of reach’.

“They moved land forces to Perth in an election year to avoid surveillance and mass protests just before the election, but they are happy to continue to keep the war and arms trade in full view once the elections are over,” said Greens for Peace and Disarmament spokesperson Gabrielle de Vietri.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Be the first to receive your latest news and exclusive stories by following us on all platforms.

Related Topics:

Exit mobile version