This issue of our involvement in the War in Iraq cut across class, religion and race. The expressions of opposition to it were sweeping, and found voice not only at major locations for public demonstrations, such as Federation Square, but also outside the offices of local MPs such as Peter Costello, then Federal Treasurer.

My grand-daughter was, at the time, in her final year of high-school, and came along to the demonstration with me. In school assembly her class was told that although the school had no official policy, they expected many of the students to attend the demonstrations–the school only asked that the students please refrain from attending them in uniform.

In hindsight, the sentiment of the population has been proven by history to be justified. The Sydney Morning Herald provides a conservative $2.3b estimate for the financial cost of the conflict. It strikes me that this $2.3b would go a long way toward fulfilling medical and educational requirements in this country.

 

Demonstrations in Federation Square

 

 

 

 

 

Demonstrations outside the Federal Treasurer’s office