Howard-bothering Chasers detained by Qld police
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Chaser frontman Craig Reucassel and two of the show’s cameramen were primed for action ahead of yesterday’s Coalition campaign launch in Queensland. However, they were foiled by police who detained them for the duration of the launch. According to Reucassel, six or seven Queensland Police officers confronted the three men who were then taken (in two paddy vans) to Brisbane’s South Bank Police Station. “They were very polite”, says Reucassel, “not like the old days”. The men were then held without charge until the Coalition launch was over. Reucassel tells Crikey he was put up in an interrogation room, while the camera crew was held elsewhere. Under what legislation were they actually detained? “Anti-lame-joke legislation”? ventures Reucassel. Nope, the PPRA, a Queensland Police spokeswoman told Crikey today. Which section? They couldn’t say. In-depth research suggests section 50 of the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000, which has a little bit of a Sir Joh feel to it:
The Chaser’s style of “breaching the peace” is unlikely one anticipated by the legislation, which is more routinely applied to the drunk and disorderly — a “reasonable time” for detention could be defined, for example, as the time it takes for someone to sober up. And detention does seem a little selective; it was not how the Police chose to handle the 100 or so protesters who were heckling John Howard as he arrived. Were the Police briefed to nab Chaser members if they saw them? Mere speculation, and a suggestion that the Queensland Police media unit was unwilling to comment on. In fact, details were thin on the ground this morning, and no word on what standards would apply for tomorrow’s ALP launch, also in Brisbane: ”We’re not talking about the preparation and planning”, said a police spokeswoman. They would say however that yesterday, “there were cordons in place” and the Chasers were approached because they “looked suspicious, wearing a fake wig and moustache.” The ”men” — Queensland Police did not wish to confirm their identity because charges weren’t laid — were “searched, spoken to by detectives and released.” Crikey understands that The Chaser is not always the peace breacher. A couple of the crew had a heckler during their panel talk at the recent Brisbane Writers’ Festival. He was swiftly removed. |
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15 Comments
Don’t the Tony Papafilises of this world realise that the Chasers is possibly the last program remaining on Free To Air TV which hasn’t been nobbled by the Howard government.
Howard’s Australia.
Only 12 days to go until it ends. (Fingers crossed).
For the record, the police did not catch them, they were handed to the police by QPAC staff who stopped the Chaser Team entering QPAC, they had already gotten pass 2 police checks and were detained by ‘Big Tim’ in the OB dock. Give QPAC staff the credit!
Peaceful=Iraq?Civil=Tony Abbott?Democracy=Murdoch media monopoly?I don’t know which planet Mr Papfilis lives on but it’s obviously not one where the truth matters. Howard’s breach of trust with the Australian people will mean his govt’s ultimate demise.
Well done Chasers - finally someone with guts.
Ahhh, the Joondalup Liberal Right are in denial over Iraq now are they?
Tony Papafilis is one of Richard Court’s former Headkickers. Carmen Lawrence would have a high opinion of him. Lurking in the backrooms of Liberal Headquarters, Googling “The Left”.
Chasers display difference between left & right. Right = people seeking a peaceful, civil, democratic society. Left = self-indulgent, largely talentless egos wanting to dictate as they can’t convince by intellectual force, real wit or gracious behaviour.
My, my; and here’s me thinking they were arrested under the Anti-Wanker Act
Looks like the Queensland police were better trained than their colleagues at APEC. Joh’s legacy lives on. Don’t you worry about that.
Alex Millier, Rear Admiral Pudding Taster, Alexander Downer is made entirely of pudding Facebook Group.
I agree; being arrested is far too much effort compared to just ignoring them until they go away. It’s shows like this which keep the vigorous online piracy of the daily show alive.
The mark of a totalitarian state, censor the worm and detain critics. Musharef would be proud.
“Right = people seeking a peaceful, civil, democratic society.”
Tony Papafilis drinking the Howard Kool-Aid.
Tell the people of Iraq your BS story Tony. Give our regards to Richard Court.
Tony Papafilis is a Liberal Party Stooge.
They did have a heckler in Brissy, but he wasn’t swiftly removed. He was greatly indulged in his interruptions. After being given more than a fair go, he was clearly annoying all of the audience as well as the panel. That was when he was removed.
Why did the Chasers abandon genuine satire and turn themselves into a political version of Jackass? The old Chaser website and CNNNN were witty, incisive and hilarious. Now it’s just lame costumes and stunts week after week. Sorry Chasers, you’ve lost me.
Well if .07 gets in the Chasers will be out of a job. How can one make fun of nerds. First sign of growing unemployment?