Massive Melbourne crowds march

The media says 30,000 people. The organisers say 50,000. Whatever the number, there's been a massive turnout in Melbourne for the March in March protest against the Abbott gov. Perhaps Fred Nile borrowed his Mardi Gras rain dance for Sydney, as Sydney was only estimated at about 10,000 or so people.  

THOUSANDS have marched through Melbourne’s CBD to protest against the Abbott Government and its policies, bringing the city to a standstill. 

The mammoth crowd — reportedly numbering up to as many as 30,000 — gathered at the State Library of Victoria for the Melbourne leg of the nationwide March in March rallies about midday. 

The demonstrators went on to march down Swanston St and along Bourke St to reach Treasury Gardens, where a rally was held. 

Protesters chanted “shame Abbott shame” and brandished signs voicing their anger at the Government’s policies on issues such as climate change, the treatment of asylum seekers, same-sex marriage and the tax system. 

Marches are being held in each of the state capitals today, following protests in regional cities yesterday. 

The three-day event will culminate on Monday when a statement of no confidence in Tony Abbott’s government is delivered to Parliament House. more