A group of Quaker Grannies are currently in the Rockhampton police watchouse after being arrested for blockading an entry to Shoalwater bay with a 'tea and cake negotiation table'.
Their intention is to refuse bail because of harsh bail conditions and thus will spend the night in the watch house.
The Grannies, who are wearing 160 year-old Quaker bonnets set a table complete with flowers, tea and biscuits in front of the gate to share with soldiers as an invitation to engage in peaceful negotiation.
Quaker Helen Bayes says "Negotiation is not currently part of the war rehearsals, so we are drawing attention to this missing element. It is essential to achieve peace.
Former WA Senator Jo Valentine is one of the Grannies. She said "we are asking our soldiers: how do you think the Chinese view these war rehearsals? Do you think its helping our relationship with our biggest trading partner?"
Senator Scott Ludlam said in support of the Grannies:
“The 'Quaker Grannies for Peace' have 14 grandchildren between them and deeply care about the future of Australia and our region. The federal government should be working towards constructive and responsible international partnership, rather than participating in incendiary military exercises,” Senator Scott Ludlam, Australian Greens acting leader said today.
“I congratulate them for their nonviolent direct action which is intended to point the way to an independent and peaceful Australia.”
Four groups of peace activists who identify as 'peace pilgrims' protested the war exercises today.
One other group of Peace Pilgrims were found after two days trespassing in the live training area and are in police custody and being transported back to Rockhampton.
Two other groups of pilgrims are still at large.
The war rehearsals have been critiqued by experts in International Relations for military posturing in the face of increasing tensions and Peace Convergence is standing against the high costs of war and 'sword waving' at China that is the joint U.S./Australian / Japan / NZ Talisman Sabre war exercises.
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