Will "Thugs" be allowed to run with Olympic torch
23 Nov 2008
Media release Confusion reigns in the Rudd Government on whether or not Chinese “flame attendants”, described as ‘thugs’ by London’s Olympics chief, will run with the torch during next week’s relay leg in Canberra, Christopher Pyne, Shadow Minister for Justice and Border Protection said today.
“On one hand we have ACT Chief Minister John Stanhope confirming that two flame attendants will run with the Olympic flame,” Mr Pyne said.
“Yesterday Australian Olympic Chief Kevin Gosper said the tracksuit clad Chinese ‘flame attendants’ will travel behind the flame ensconsed on a bus, but will provide security ‘if there was really serious trouble…’
“Today ACT Deputy Chief Police Officer Commander Shane Connelly also confirmed that two ‘flame attendants’ will be present accompanying the flame… ‘to light it’” he said.
“But the Prime Minister has consistently denied Chinese officials will have any involvement with the security of the Olympic flame as it passes through Canberra.
“Is he misinformed, out of his jurisdiction or is this another case of Rudd’s ‘smoke and mirrors’ spin
“Is it two in tow, a bus load behind, or none at all?
“Mr Rudd needs to clarify exactly who is protecting the Olympic flame while it travels on Australian soil,” Mr Pyne said.
16th April 2008
Media Contact: Adam Howard 0400 414 833