Further to our recent article about Police Commissioner Raymond Wells Whitrod, another sporting event came into the spotlight in 1971, the tour of South African Rugby Union team, the Springboks. In anticipation of trouble by anti-apartheid protestors a “State of Emergency” was declared. Operational orders included for police to carry handcuffs and batons, but not firearms. No recreational leave was granted during the team’s stay in Queensland between 22 July and 4 August; the catalyst for refusal by the Commissioner to approve Constable Wayne Bennett’s leave request for rugby league training perhaps.
The Enoggera Army Barracks was secured for police radio communications, training, accommodation, meals and recreation. A log of occurrences commenced with meetings between key organisers; Queensland Rugby Union officials, Commissioner Whitrod and senior police, with all inspecting Ballymore Oval in Herston. Printed media was scrutinised whilst Traffic Police, and Public Order and Emergency Squads were mobilised in readiness for the arrival of players and commencement of play.
900 police from all over Queensland assemble in the Exhibition Ground Main Oval on July 21, 1971, to be addressed by Police Minister Mr Hodges and Police Commissioner Mr Whitrod in preparations for the Springbok Tour. Courier Mail Article 21/7/1971.
Image No. PM1342D courtesy of the Courier Mail.
As the tournament loomed, so did security concerns surrounding the use of Ballymore Oval. Alternative venues were considered, including Lang Park (now known as Suncorp Stadium) and the Brisbane Exhibition Grounds. With demonstrations increasing, a decision was made to erect security fencing at the Exhibition Grounds, establish a mobile police station on site and hold the games at that location. The retail sale of gunpowder was monitored, whilst specialty police squads were armed with smoke flares. Newspapers increased their distribution of at times exaggerated reports of extreme policing methods, whilst the Commissioner continued to ready operational police for large crowds.
Anti-apartheid demonstrators making their way towards the Exhibition Grounds, July 1971, supervised by police in cars and on motorcycles.
Image No. PM1342J courtesy of the Queensland Police Museum.
Transport was identified as a significant factor in successfully policing the event, and it became apparent extra buses were needed to move large numbers of police and the public into and away from the tournament. Preparations were made by employing the services of private coach companies to complement Transport Department buses. Three days prior to the arrival of the South African team in Queensland, on July 17, a rail strike threatened as senior police travelled to Sydney to watch the Springboks play there.
Queensland’s turn to host the games commenced amid heightened security for players, spectators and peaceful protesters. Extra paddy wagons were secured in anticipation of multiple arrests. A large crowd congregated outside the team’s accommodation at the Tower Mill Motel, with varying reports about the behaviour of university student and other demonstrators on Wickham Terrace; no chanting, chanting, motel windows being smashed, bomb threats made, multiple arrests.
The Rugby Union game between the South African Springboks and Australia, at the Brisbane Exhibition Ground, July 1971. Police keep a close watch on spectators and demonstrators. The Springboks won the game 14 – 6.
Image No. PM1342O donated by the Courier Mail.
On the day of the Test, July 31, and after police escorted the Springboks to pre-game strategy talks at Ballymore Oval before continuing the escort to the Exhibition Ground where South Africa beat Australia 14 – 6. The Springboks travelled to Toowoomba the next day for a final game, prompting temporary fencing of the oval and additional police resources. No incidents were reported there and the team safely departed Oakey Airport on August 4, for their return flight to Sydney, New South Wales.
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This article was written by Museum Assistant Georgia Grier from the best resources available within the Queensland Police Museum. The Police Museum is open 9am to 4pm Monday to Thursday and 10am to 3pm on the last Sunday of the month (Feb-Nov) and is located on the Ground Floor of Police Headquarters at 200 Roma Street, Brisbane. Contact: E: museum@police.qld.gov.au
“FROM the VAULT- Springbok Tour of Queensland” by the Queensland Police Service is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (BY) 2.5 Australia Licence. Permissions may be available beyond the scope of this licence. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/au/legalcode