Post date: Jan 26, 2012 4:8:3 PM
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the leader of the opposition are rushed away from an aboriginal protest by police. Simon Hanna reports.
AUSTRALIA-GILLARD SCUFFLE - An aboriginal protest in Canberra outside a restaurant where Prime Minister Julia Gillard and opposition leader Tony Abbott were attending an Australia Day ceremony.
As the demonstration escalates, security tells Gillard that she may be in danger.
UNIDENTIFIED SECURITY OFFICIAL TALKING TO GILLARD, SAYING:
"We feel that the situation is deteriorating and can't stay. Too much danger."
AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER, JULIA GILLARD, SAYING:
"What about Mr Abbott? Where have we got him? We'd better help him through too, hadn't we?"
Gillard then relayed the message to Abbott.
OPPOSITION LEADER, TONY ABBOTT, SAYING:
"I think it would be very easy for that glass to be smashed. So, would they like us to go straight away?"
AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER, JULIA GILLARD, SAYING
"We'll just pull together."
What ensues is a panicked escape.
The Prime Minister's security team rush her and Abbott into a waiting car, and they make their getaway.
One protester picked up a memento from the incident, Gillard's shoe which slipped off during her escape.
Activists were holding a demonstration to celebrate the anniversary of the unofficial aboriginal tent embassy.
Abbott's calls for it to be disbanded prompted the protests.
Simon Hanna, Reuters.