Truckies have again found themselves dragged into pro-Palestinian protest action in Melbourne’s port precincts.
In the latest incident on Friday (November 22), outside the Victoria International Container Terminal in Webb Dock, protesters came armed with tyres, accelerant and matches to light fires to block road access and allegedly brought sharp tools to slash truck air lines.
“In what is a very worrying trend, these criminals have taken to targeting trucks by cutting air lines between the prime mover and trailer sets, leading to deflated tyres and immovable combinations,” said Neil Chambers, director of peak body, Container Transport Alliance Australia (CTAA).
“Cutting the air pressure also has an impact on braking systems.
“This shows the premeditated nature of these acts with protesters coming armed to commit criminal damage.
“Innocent truck drivers and transport operators, just trying to go about their lawful right to earn a living and keep Victoria’s vital supply chains open, are being targeted.”
CTAA has joined the growing chorus, led by the likes of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and the Victorian State Opposition, seeking the implementation of a Protest Permit System in Victoria.
The Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has previously ruled out introducing a permit system saying that police “already have the tools and resources they need” to deal with rallies.
“However, we believe that the Allen government needs to think again.
“The international container terminals in the Port of Melbourne, like all port facilities across Australia, are critical infrastructure.
“Yet, container transport operators and drivers in Victoria are feeling increasingly vulnerable to attack, criminal damage and delayed operations costing thousands of dollars in insurance claims and lost productivity.
“A transport worker or a protester are going to get hurt, or worse, if these acts continue.”
The meda should stop giving these protesters the time of day.