The APEC security fantasy

The role of the media has also been significant, with newspapers, TV, radio, websites devoting more than enough coverage to the conference. The high volume of comical, speculative and even mundane commentary and opinion has been notable - this was a big event with numerous opportunities for things to happen, to go wrong, and to be challenged, but with very little of substance actually materialising. There were no large violent protests and the conference, for the most part, went smoothly. Apart from a comical stunt by the television show The Chaser, there were basically no significant intrusions of the security apparatus either.

APEC was an opportunity to sell newspapers and attract TV viewers, and was an important channel in conveying the government’s messages and warnings to the public to stay clear from the action. Disseminating these and speculating on protests and transgressions was profitable business, as was scaring people away from their city.

If politicians, the police and the media benefit, then what about the public? The conference was an annoyance for most Sydneysiders, but not a major problem due to its short duration. It was tolerable if one stayed away from the city or expected important progress to be made in talks among leaders.

To an extent, many people bought into the security fears. Most citizens feel some sense of loyalty to the town or city in which they live, and for the APEC conference this has been played upon by the government, police and media. Many of the security features have gone unchallenged, despite some opposition. Citizens felt obliged to give up their rights to the city, and be monitored and controlled, for a short period of the time, all for the greater good.

The APEC conference defines Sydney as a city that can control its citizens and residents, one with a powerful display of government that can watch what goes on and discipline those who transcend the stringent arrangements. I hope that these security measures are never needed again. Living in Sydney during APEC has been a daunting experience, demonstrating just how far a government can go in its efforts to control, instil fear and regulate the behaviour of citizens, even in a democracy.

Indeed, this is all part of a much wider phenomenon in a world concerned about terrorism and violent anti-global protests. Sydney has been caught up in the transnational flows of fear.