Bourke St protest may seek higher profile address amid local concerns

An ongoing protest on Bourke St in Docklands has crushed foot traffic and alienated visitors, local business owners say.

But the protestors may soon move in response to the feedback as they look to win local support from more politically visible locations.

A sleep-in protest against strict federal temporary visa laws has been under way outside the Department of Home Affairs’ offices for almost three months.

It attracted neo-Nazi counterprotests in August, which refugee protestors say intensified police roadblocks and security measures for the area.

Business owners near Home Affairs’ 800 Bourke St address said pedestrian traffic had plummeted.

“I’ve lost 85 per cent of my customers,” one business owner, who preferred not to be identified, said.

He said rallies held each Friday led to Bourke St being closed by police, temporarily cutting off access to customers ahead of peak dining hours for local restaurants.

“I support the protestors,” he said. “But I’m worried about the impact this is having on us.”

Lord Mayoral candidate and Docklands resident Cr Jamal Hakim said he met with refugee protest leaders following complaints from locals to the City of Melbourne.

“[The protestors] have made commitments to limit noise and to scale back the frequency of protest chants,” Cr Hakim told Docklands News.

I have also suggested, with the Department of Home Affairs offices mostly working from home now, they consider other locations that might be more impactful to their cause.

Cr Hakim said he had pledged to help connect the protestors with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke in a bid to secure a policy commitment on temporary visas ahead of the next federal election.

“I understand they feel ignored, as if they are not being listened to,” he said. “But Docklands isn’t just offices.”

Tamil Refugee Council advocate Aran Mylvaganam said moving Friday rallies to a larger nearby space was already being considered.

It would stop the need for street closures, which Mr Mylvaganam said began after neo-Nazi counter protesters attended some rallies.

“We want to engage with Docklands locals and gain their support,” Mr Mylvaganam said. “We don’t want anyone feeling harassed.”

Mr Mylvaganam said Docklands locals had responded positively to the protests at a street level, buying coffees for the daily attendants and stopping to talk and encourage them.

Victoria Police said in a statement protest numbers had varied from “small groups to approximately 200”.

“Victoria Police is in regular consultation with local resident groups, demonstrators, the City of Melbourne, and other government organisations,” the statement said.

“We will continue to monitor protest activity moving forward to ensure public safety.” •