Colin Barnett on the curtsey, CHOGM and that ‘PERTH’ sign

The new and prominent ‘PERTH’ sign erected on the Esplanade for CHOGM has sparked a lively debate on the ABC 720 Perth Facebook page.

“It does look good but I doubt that it will stay there permanently; I don’t think it should but it will come out more frequently and should be used when there’s major public event,” Mr Barnett told ABC’s Geoff Hutchison.

The signage is clear from Kings Park where international visitors and dignitaries will take in, arguably, the best views of the CBD, Swan River and Perth Hills.

“The new State Reception Centre in Kings Park is just stunning: it is ‘the’ venue in Perth, a good legacy of CHOGM and when you stand in there your eye-sight is drawn down the river and down to that location [where the sign is].”

Mr Barnett weighed into the curtsey debate after Prime Minister Julia Gillard decided to not greet the Queen with a traditional curtsey while the Governor General, Quentin Bryce, did.

“I’ll be doing a small bow, that is appropriate, but I’m sure my wife Lynn will curtsey and I think most women will if they’re introduced to the Queen. And they should, that’s the courteous thing to do.

“I think it was disappointing, it’s a small thing… She didn’t have to curtsey but she certainly should have bowed properly, a proper modest bow, now that didn’t happen and I think that was disrespectful.”

Colin Barnett issued a stern warning to people planning to protest at next week’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth.

“There will certainly be a very significant police and security presence but it will be as out-of-sight and out-of-mind as is possible. It won’t be the sort of in-your-face security that was applied in Sydney a few years ago for an APEC meeting.”

Mr Barnett says while he respects the public’s right to protest peacefully he won’t tolerate any attempts to sabotage public events, entertainment or sporting fixtures.

“I’m sure there will be some protestors and their right to protest has been accommodated, they’ve been told where they can go but anyone who tries to disrupt this event, they will simply be moved out of the area.

“Where I will be intolerant is if any protest movement disrupts the ability of West Australian families, parents and children to see the Queen or to take part in the free festivals or sporting events.”

For all the information on CHOGM events, security or transport options visit the CHOGM 2011 in Perth webpage.

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One Response to “Colin Barnett on the curtsey, CHOGM and that ‘PERTH’ sign”

  1. ruth campbell hicks says:

    Could you please tell me if there will be a Breastfeeding tent at the Big Aussie BBG tomorrow?

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