Greens MP and Federal member for Melbourne, Adam Bandt, has said calling in riot police on the peaceful protest ‘Occupy Melbourne’ is a serious error.

“Ted Baillieu and Robert Doyle have made a huge blunder by sending in the police, turning a week-long non-violent protest into a site of confrontation” said Mr Bandt.

“The authorities should have negotiated with the protestors before resorting to heavy handed pressure.”

“By their actions, the Premier and Lord Mayor have moved the situation from negotiation to conflict and have hardened peoples’ positions.”

“It is no wonder that people are protesting. The richest 20% of households in Australian have 60 times the wealth of the poorest 20% of Australians. CEOs are getting huge pay increases and banks are posting record profits.”

“Occupy Melbourne protesters are expressing the frustration everyday Australians feel about economic inequality.”

‘Occupy Melbourne’ is occurring in Mr Bandt’s electorate of Melbourne.

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