Today I parked my car in what I have always assumed is a council car park. My car was approached by 2 McDonalds’s security staff who proceeded to touch my car and place a notice under the wiper blade. Presumably this breaks some council by-law at least. The notice contained threats of further action, but provided no clue as to the ownership of the notice. No contact phone number. Not on official letterhead.

Furthermore, the area I had parked in had no signage to indicate ownership or rights of McDonalds.

Despite this, the McDonalds Security guards photographed my number plate. When questioned about the purpose of the photograph I was informed that Belgrave Police had requested this identification.

I would like to ask Belgrave Police to explain why these photographs are being taken. I have committed no crime here. I have done nothing illegal. Despite this I have been intimidated by McDonald’s security and presumably I have been profile checked by the Police. Why? For who? At whose cost?

UPDATE 03/08/2013

This morning I have had a telephone conversation with Sergeant Hall from Belgrave Police. He has informed me that the Police have NOT requested photographs from McDonald’s. He has also stated that Police would not be involved in identifying individuals from registration details and providing that information to McDonald’s.

So someone here isn’t telling the truth.

I know who I suspect.

DATE

NOTICE OF INTENT to not dine at your establishment

To the Manager,

I wish to inform you that whilst McDonald’s Australia continues to take action against the Dandenong Ranges township of Tecoma in pursuit of an inappropriate restaurant development that was broadly rejected by both community and council, I must respectfully withdraw all custom from your business.

Should the following conditions be met by McDonald’s Australia, this notice will cease to be in effect:

1. Abandon development of the Tecoma site
2. Withdraw all legal action against protestors
3. Committing to and demonstrating their own corporate values

Sincerely,

NAME

2 August, 2013

Protesters continue to fight McDonalds wide ranging Supreme Court injunction

The legal action and tactics being used by McDonalds Australia to stop protesters in Tecoma Victoria are an affront to civil liberties, says national social justice law firm Maurice Blackburn.

An interim Supreme Court injunction which restricts the movement of protesters opposed to a-24 hour fast food outlet in Tecoma, in the Dandenong Ranges applies to a group of protesters known as “The Tecoma 8” and a much broader group for which some of the defendants have been deemed to be representatives.

Malcolm Cumming, principal lawyer said, “The orders sought by McDonalds, particularly as they apply to the representative group, are so broad they could apply to people who do not even know they are of subject them.”

“On top of this, protesters have to watch every move they make on social media.”

“The orders are intimidating for a broader group than just eight protesters. They bind an ill-defined class of people, and are structured in such a way that, if successful, could have significant implications for community protests.”

“This is an enormous, well-resourced company, which is notorious for fighting its opponents in court.”

Maurice Blackburn is acting pro bono in this case because peaceful protest is fundamental to civil rights and democracy.

The legal team is seeking to adjourn a court hearing on Tuesday to allow more time to prepare the legal case because material including transcripts of social media activity were not made available to Maurice Blackburn or some of the defendants within the timeframe to allow the hearing to proceed.

The matter is scheduled to return to the Supreme Court of Victoria on Tuesday 6 August 2013.

Media inquiries:
Amanda Tattam Maurice Blackburn
E atattam@mauriceblackburn.com.au
@wefightforfair