WA News

Alleged assault at Roe 8 site as state gets order to reveal documents

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WA Police are questioning a man in custody after an alleged assault on Monday on a security guard working at the Roe 8 road project site in Coolbellup. 

The incident followed the Western Australian Information Commissioner ordering Main Roads WA to release documents regarding government "deliberations" around plans for Roe 8 and the wider Perth Freight Link project. 

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Police horses trample Roe 8 protesters

The footage appears to show a police horse trampling on protesters at Roe 8.

Police spokeswoman Susan Usher said one man was in custody assisting with the investigation and inquiries are continuing. 

"This is the third allegation of this nature at this site," she said. 

"People have a right to protest peacefully but allegations of physical assaults on staff working at the site are of concern to WA Police."

Officers on Monday arrested 38 people, issued 11 move-on notices and intervened in 15 instances of people locking themselves to machinery as clearing continued on the controversial project. 

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Protests have continued almost daily for nearly two months and Monday's action followed hundreds gathering in Perth's CBD for a silent protest.

Despite efforts to keep protests peaceful, the crowds are large, as is the police presence, and tension is growing. 

The assault allegations follow accusations that police allowed their horses to injure protesters, though police did not respond to questions on this incident. There were also accusations of people placing trip wires around the site.  

WA Labor is maintaining strong opposition to the project, vowing to scrap it and use the money on other congestion-related projects if it wins the election. 

In the latest development on Wednesday, Labor Upper House candidate Alannah MacTiernan had her complaint to the Information Commissioner vindicated.

Main Roads WA had refused to release information on discussions about the freight link plan between government bureaucrats, claiming they were exempt from the Freedom of Information Act.

The Commissioner found that the release of the documents was in the public interest. 

Ms MacTiernan told the Rethink the Link protest group that the government had 21 days to appeal to the Supreme Court.