• I thought you and the Crikey Army might like to know that the alert citizens of Sydney got a little bit alarmed last night. At 11.30pm a truck with massive loudspeakers was driving around the CBD, stopping at intervals to announce, very loudly, that ‘this was a public safety announcement to test the city’s response system in the event of a natural disaster’ (or something along those lines). Sound preparation, security overkill or public scare campaign?
  • I was told today by somebody that works there that Sydney’s homeless (at least those who seek shelter in the CBD) will be rounded up and housed at Long Bay Jail for the duration of the APEC soiree.
  • Perhaps Pru Goward might like to ask the Minister of Police in NSW whether it is true that the 225 graduates from the Goulburn Police Academy as of August 28th, 2007, will be deployed in the Sydney CBD during APEC as one of the new graduates has been instructed? If so, does the Minister and/or Goward think that inexperienced officers might a) endanger their fellow officers, b) the visiting worthies, c) members of the public, particularly those peacefully protesting in an atmosphere of government and media generated hysteria, or d) themselves.
  • My mum is not getting her meals on wheels delivered during APEC. Can you fathom that? They have no shame! Crikey: Some truth in this one according to the NSW Meals on Wheels Association, though no client should go without. Because the NSW government has declared APEC Friday a public holiday in 25 local government areas around central Sydney, no meals on wheels workers will be working. The association cited the necessity of paying workers double time as the reason. Extra meals will be provided on Thursday to cover Friday according to a Meals on Wheels spokesperson.

Got an APEC gripe? Let us know at boss@crikey.com.au