2003 anti-war protest in Brisbane - History in Pictures

By Myles Sinnamon - Project Coordinator, State Library of Queensland | 4 November 2015

On February 16, 2003, one of Brisbane's largest mass protests took place when an estimated 100,000 people rallied against a military invasion of Iraq, though police more conservatively assessed only half that number turned out.

Gulf War protest march in Brisbane 2003. (In copyright). John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Image gwc00009

Two days earlier, 150,000 protesters had marched through the streets of Melbourne. On the same day as the Brisbane demonstration there were rallies held in Adelaide, Darwin and Sydney, where it was believed 200,000 people had taken part. (Again, figures differed according to the source.)

Gulf War protesters rally at Roma Street, Brisbane 2003. (In copyright). John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Image gwc00003

Gulf War Protesters gather at Roma Street, Brisbane 2003. (In copyright). John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Image gwc00002

At the Brisbane protest, "Children darted away from perspiring parents; babies rolled in strollers; platoons of placards were hoisted overhead; the 'no war' chants echoed off city buildings", reported The Courier-Mail. The rally gathered at Roma Street Parkland before moving through city streets to finish at the Botanic Gardens. Many were carrying banners calling for peace, with slogans such as "War is not the answer - just peace!"; "It's not just - it's just wrong" and "War is expensive, peace is priceless".

Gulf War protesters marching along Adelaide Street, Brisbane 2003. (In copyright). John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Image gwc00013

Demonstrating dog at the Brisbane anti Iraq War demonstration, February 2003. (In copyright). John Oxley Library of Queensland. Image APU-066-0001-0014

Among the speakers present that day was then federal opposition leader Simon Crean, who was shouted down with chants of "no war" after suggesting that Australia should wait for United Nations backing, rather than abstaining from an invasion altogether. Prime minister John Howard remained resolute - "My charge as prime minister is to take whatever decision I think is in the best interests of the country, and I believe the way we are handling this is in the best interests of Australia".

Gathering at the end of the anti war protest Botanic Gardens, Brisbane 2003. (In copyright). John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Image APU-066-0001-0015

The State Library of Queensland holds a digital collection of photographs documenting the events of this day which can be viewed online. The photographs were taken by State Library's former photographer Reina Irmer.

Myles Sinnamon - Project Coordinator, State Library of Queensland

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2003 anti-war protest in Brisbane - History in Pictures

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