Passions
run deep at the Queen Victoria Market. For a whole lot of very good reasons it
is understandable that tempers become frayed, old friendships are tested, and
fingers are pointed. An emotion packed union meeting probably added to tensions
during the week and we had at least one example of a trader making a threat
against another trader over renewal matters.
In
every democratic process we have a right to express our views, listen to
others, gain information, change our minds and form opinions. That is how
important matters are thrashed out. But it is crucial to the success of this
debate that we give everybody, friend and foe, that right, without threats,
misinformation, or intimidation. Our lady (The Queen Victoria Market) deserves
the respect of an informed, well debated consideration of her future and all participants deserve respect as well.
Ironically
the old lady is probably laughing at us right now. She has been with us for
over 130 years and the odds are that whatever happens she will be with us for
at least another 130 years. Let's hope that is what happens anyway.
