No butts, Abbott ok
TONY Abbott will hit the Gold Coast tomorrow – and security experts are confident no one will hit him.
A week after the former prime minister was allegedly headbutted by a self-confessed anarchist in Hobart, Mr Abbott will deliver the keynote speech at the GC Showcase luncheon at Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort.
About 200 guests will hear him discuss the economy and creativity at the lunch, which is a key feature of the Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce’s annual business showcase.
Gatecrash Security owner Mark Ellis, who has managed protection of high-profile politicians, musicians and sports stars, said it would be business as usual for Mr Abbott’s security detail.
“I’m sure if you asked (Mayor) Tom Tate, he’d say the Gold Coast is the friendliest place in the world and nothing like that is ever going to happen here,” he said.
“You’re always going to do a few more checks as you don’t want it to happen again, but he’s not going to be surrounded by bodyguards.
“That guy was never considered a threat to Tony Abbott. There was no rhetoric on Facebook from him. It’s pretty difficult to stop that sort of thing when there’s no threat to be guarded against.”
In the wake of last week’s incident, Mr Abbott said he would be “very disappointed” if security concerns meant prominent politicians could no longer mingle with the public as it was one of the “great things” about Australia.
Having worked for the likes of controversial businessman and former MP Clive Palmer, Mr Ellis said high-profile people often tired of security escorts.
“They get sick of our presence too,” he said. “They want their privacy. They’re human beings.
“Tony Abbott’s a former boxer as well so I’m sure he could’ve handled himself. The bloke’s probably lucky he didn’t get his head caved in.”
Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce president Martin Hall said he had not been approached regarding event security since the Hobart incident.
“I believe (Mr Abbott) has his own area that deals with all that,” he said.
“As far as we’re concerned, we’re dealing with the Marriott and all plans are in place.”
As well as the ticketed lunch, the GC Showcase will feature free presentations from the likes of award-winning publishing consultant Ocean Reeve, Magic Memories founder Stuart Norris and Pencils Community founder and CEO Cindy Rochstein.