PM Transcripts

FOR( PRESS: SJUL 19t" PM. A0. 7u, 1968
LAWLESS DEMONSTRATIONS
Statement by the Prime Minister, Mr John Gorton
The Commonwealth Government will not permit
lawlessness, violence and destruction by mobs to occur in Australia.
Violence and disruption in the streets such as we
have seen in the last few days seriously interferes with the rights of
ordinary citizens. These rights must be protected and interference
with them by a minority is a direct attack on the only basis on which 4
democracy can operate. The Attorney-General is examining all the courses
open to the Commonwealth to impose severe penalties on any persons
convicted of such action. I-ie is consulting with the States and when this
has been done, I shall announce the results to the Australian people.
We will not interfere with, but will defend the right
of dissent. We will not interfere with publicly-expressed dissent.
But we do not recognise violence, intimidation or interference with the
rights of other citizens, or the invasion of public or private property
as a right which a dissenting minority possesses but as a wrong which
cannot be tolerated by the community.
CAl IBERRA,
July 1968