MILO A GO-GO
Govt can’t kick loudmouth from State-owned venue
INFLAMMATORY commentator Milo Yiannopoulos will perform at the State-owned Gold Coast Convention Centre tonight — and there is nothing Labor can do about it. Mr Yiannopoulos, whose shows have sparked violent protests in Sydney and Melbourne, has alleged links to white supremacists and is accused of being a paedophile apologist. The Government learnt late yesterday he was to speak at the convention centre and said “it is legally unable to cancel the event”.
THE State Government last night conceded it cannot legally stop inflammatory rightwing commentator Milo Yiannopoulos from speaking on the Glitter Strip tonight, despite learning at the 11th hour he has booked the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GGCEC).
The 33-year-old has gained worldwide notoriety for attacking feminism, alleged links to white supremacists and accusations he is a paedophile apologist – a video emerged this year in which he stated child sexual abuse was “not that big of a deal”.
He has sparked violent protests at the first three shows of his Australian tour this week, with seven people arrested at his first Sydney show on Tuesday night.
Hundreds of people have paid up to $1000 a ticket to attend the sold out shows.
The Bulletin learned late yesterday that he is scheduled to speak at the State Government-owned convention centre. Ticketholders are normally told the venue only a few hours before the doors open.
A spokesperson for the State Government last night said: “While the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre is owned by the Queensland Government, it is operated by the Star Entertainment Group.
“(Yesterday) afternoon the Government was informed by Star that it had recently been made aware of the event booking by GCCEC’s independent management team.
“Star informed the Government that it is legally unable to cancel the event. Similarly, the Government’s contract with Star means it is unable to intervene.
“The Government understands GGCEC has been working closely with the Queensland Police Service ahead of the event.”
The Star Gold Coast last night said it was approached to host Mr Yiannopoulos.
“The Star took the view that it was not appropriate to have him speaking at the property,” a spokesperson said.
“While The Star manages GCCEC on behalf of the State Government, the centre operates with an independent executive team.”
Sources yesterday told the Bulletin The Star had not planned to bolster security for the event. The majority of security will be suppled by Mr Yiannopoulos’ promoters.
Queensland Police would not answer questions about resources at the event, with media spokeswoman Hayley Webb only saying: “Police are aware of the matter and will respond as appropriate”.
Senior Opposition frontbencher John-Paul Langbroek said Mr Yiannopoulos’ views were abhorrent and should not be welcome in this state.
“I am concerned that we have had other people with criminal records or exposed as holocaust deniers who have been denied entry on visa grounds as well as anti-immunisation groups who have been allowed to hold events in venues,” he said.
Acting Mayor Donna Gates this week said Mr Yiannopoulos was not welcome at council-owned venues.
“We have zero tolerance towards public rallies or talks that promote discrimination or racism, in any form,” she said.
Broadbeach councillor Paul Taylor said he was deeply concerned that the Gold Coast and his suburb would be marred by scenes of violence and asked that the event not to be held at the convention centre.
“Broadbeach is a peaceful place and we do not want any trouble here and do not want to be known for that kind of thing.”