Salient. Victoria University Students' Newspaper. Volume 39, Number 23. September 20, 1976
Spence Leads With A Right
Spence Leads With A Right
The prime mover, Mr Spence, poo-pooed suggestions that the possible prosecution of these people would set a precedent whereby students could be likewise charged for taking part in demonstrations. Demonstrators, he said, are immune from the Unlawful Assembly Act, firstly because they do not cause fear to people in their vicinity, and secondly students obtain permits to march.
He claimed the accused were being charged in accordance with the law, and "the police must be able to prove a state of mind is involved".
Spence concluded by advancing a dire warning against the association financially binding itself to "these people". - "next thing you know they'll be going around in T-shirts with Sponsored by SRC written on the back".
Neil Gray replied that it was the Associations policy not to get permits anyway, and that the clause 'intent of violence' could be "extended to our student demonstrations which seek social change".