‘Protest fears’; Police order Avalon Airshow security blitz

Police will throw a ring of blue steel over next week’s Avalon Airshow amid fears of violent anti-war protests, as Deputy PM Richard Marles’ Geelong electorate office is vandalised.

The Avalon Australian International Airshow in 2023

Police will launch a security blitz at next week’s Avalon Airshow amid fears of “Land Forces-style” protest violence at the international event featuring military exhibitors including Israeli weapons companies.

Victoria Police has confirmed it will deploy a “significant presence” across the airshow amid concerns anti-war and pro-Palestinian protesters may attempt to disrupt the event. A billboard promoting the six-day trade and public extravaganza at the airport near Geelong was this week defaced with graffiti declaring “f..k war” while an outbreak of fresh military action in Gaza is likely to intensify security concerns.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles’ Geelong electorate office was also vandalised on Wednesday with protesters using red paint to plaster it with “war crimes start here” graffiti and smashing a window.

Protesters have attacked Richard Marles' office in Geelong, daubing graffiti and smashing a window. Picture: Alan Barber

Police have been preparing the massive security operation for months at the event which will play out just three weeks after an alleged hijacking attempt of a Jetstar flight at Avalon’s domestic airport exposed the lack of permanent Victoria Police or Australian Federal Police presence despite 800,000 passengers transiting through the airport each year.

While Victoria Police declined to reveal how many officers would be deployed to the airshow it has confirmed specialist anti-riot officers will be in the frontline of the ring of steel.

Demonstrators march through Melbourne to protest against the Land Forces Expo last year. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

“Police are aware of planned protest activity and will have ample resources available to respond swiftly to any incidents both within the event grounds and in surrounding areas as required,” a police spokesman said. “Victoria Police respects the right for peaceful protest however any unlawful behaviour will not be tolerated.

“Victoria Police will have a significant presence at the Australian International Airshow to ensure the safety and security of all attendees.

“A range of police units will be deployed during the event, including general duties officers and specialist units including the Public Order Response Team, Highway Patrol, and Water Police.

“In addition to maintaining public order, police are collaborating closely with event organisers and emergency services to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.”

There are a number of Israeli-linked military development companies exhibiting at the airshow including Israeli Aerospace Industries which develops combat systems, drones and electronic warfare systems.

Avalon Airshow in 2023. RAAF F18s and F35s. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Elbit Systems of Australia — a subsidiary of Israeli defence technology firm Elbit which develops combat systems, electronic warfare capability, drones and weapons systems — will also exhibit at the event.

The AMDA Foundation, which organises the international airshow to promote Australia’s aviation, aerospace, space, maritime and defence industries, declined to comment about the protest threat or security measures. “We don’t discuss security,” a foundation spokesperson said.

Tens of thousands of defence industry experts and the public will flock to Avalon from next Tuesday to witness cutting-edge fighter planes, such as Australia’s F35 fighters, and other military capabilities on display.

The Land Forces military expo in Melbourne last year was the scene of violent protests as pro-Palestinian activists clashed with police.

Police respond to anti-war protesters at the Land Forces expo. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

About 50 protesters were charged by police with many facing charges of affray, obstructing police and animal abuse over their actions that also saw rubbish bins set on fire.

Police made more than 100 arrests outside the three-day Land Forces weapons expo at the Melbourne Convention Centre in September. Some protesters hurled rocks, horse manure, eggs and glass bottles at police, injuring almost 30 officers and a dozen horses.

Avalon Airport’s lack of security was exposed by the alleged hijacking attempt on March 6 when police say a 17-year-old teenager attempted to board a Jetstar flight to Sydney carrying 160 passengers while armed with a shotgun.

A hero passenger and pilot wrestled the teenager to the floor of the A320 and no one was injured in the drama. Police were dispatched from Lara, about 9km away, to arrest the teenager, who is alleged to have cut his way through a security fence and, dressed in hi viz, calmly walked across the tarmac to the plane.

Police charged the 17-year-with a string of ­offences, including unlawfully taking control of an aircraft, endangering safe operation of an aircraft and endangering safety of aircraft. Charge sheets released to The Australian by the court show police allege the teenager boarded the plane without authorisation while in possession of a firearm “with the intent to prejudice the safe operation of an aircraft”.

The boy allegedly said, “I’ve got bombs in my bag”, from which, police allege, “it could reasonably be inferred that it is his intention to destroy, damage or endanger the safety of the aircraft or to kill or injure all or any of the persons on board the aircraft”.