Police defend S11 payout

Victoria Police is standing by a secret deal to pay $700,000 to S11 riot protesters. The force insists a settlement to end action against hundreds of officers accused of brutality during clashes outside the World Economic Forum in 2000 is appropriate. Protesters spat on police, poured urine on them and and threw ballbearings, marbles, nails, nuts and bolts during violent scuffles. Dozens of anti-globalisation campaigners sued and blamed injuries, including fractures, shock and anxiety, on police action. The payout has infuriated Police Association head Paul Mullett. Police Minister Bob Cameron said the settlement aborted action against individual officers and was reached on the advice of an insurer.
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The protesters sued the state of Victoria and 953 officers who worked at the riot. The Sunday Herald Sun revealed the Government and Victoria Police agreed to a $700,000 payment to 47 protesters and to law firm Slater and Gordon, which is expected to get $600,000.