A tense situation unfolded at the Hyatt Hotel in Canberra during a major defense conference, causing a stir among attendees and sparking curiosity. The annual ADM Congress defense conference witnessed a series of events that left participants on edge. Initially, multiple items were thrown through a window, causing damage and raising fears of a shooter. This incident occurred just before 9 am on February 18, prompting a swift response from ACT Policing and the Australian Federal Police (AFP). The keynote speaker, Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy, was addressing the conference when the police asked several hundred delegates to leave the ballroom due to a reported suspicious package.
The day's events began with a rock smashing through a window, leading some to initially believe it was gunshots. This incident took place during a speech by Navy Chief Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, following an address by former defense minister Christopher Pyne. The timing of these events coincides with a planned protest by Students and Staff Against War (SSAW) ANU and the Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN) at 4:30 pm, calling for sanctions on Israel and an end to collaboration with defense companies accused of complicity in genocide. The protest organizers, as stated on the Green Left website, demand the removal of restrictions on Palestine protests and the right to criticize Israel, as well as a complete break from organizations involved in genocide.
The protest's potential impact on the conference and the safety of attendees is a concern. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the protest during a press conference in Tasmania, emphasizing the importance of maintaining calm and avoiding violent actions. He stated, 'People need to turn the temperature down, politicians and people – that does nothing to advance a cause, that just alienates people from whatever the supposed cause that this person has done. People who break the law also should face the full force of the law.' The AFP bomb squad was called to the scene, adding to the tension and uncertainty.
The conference, hosted by Australian Defence Magazine, is a significant event in the Australian defense calendar, focusing on future capability requirements, major acquisition projects, sustainment, regional geopolitics, and national security issues. Minister Conroy, who was set to give a ministerial address, was among those evacuated from the hotel. The ADM Events website highlights the conference's importance, describing it as a pivotal gathering of state and federal politicians, business leaders, and experts. Despite the disruptions, the conference is expected to continue, with organizers prioritizing the safety and security of all attendees.
