What is the Land Forces expo?
The Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition, is an industry-only trade expo for the defence sector.
Although not open to the general public, tens of thousands of attendees walk through the doors, viewing hundreds of exhibits from defence companies around the world.
Protesters are aiming to blockade the event and block entrance to the building.
“So we’re going to be having a blockade, we’re going to be disrupting people coming and going from this convention,” spokesperson Jasmine Duff told the ABC.
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy has condemned the activists’ tactics as “appalling”.
“To demand that people be arrested by citizens is implying violence against people going about their lawful business – I know these people talk about ethics and morals, well I think it’s ethical to supply the brave sailors, soldiers and aviators of the Australian Defence Force,” he said.
Early clashes between police and protesters
Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre before dawn on Wednesday, chanting pro-Palestine slogans through a loud speaker, before marching off through the CBD streets.
Their numbers quickly swelled as the crowds returned to the convention centre where they were met by mounted police and riot squad officers.
The crowds then split into smaller groups surrounding all sides of the venue, including a large group that tried to walk up the off-ramp from the West Gate Freeway before being pushed back by police.
Welcome to our coverage of the Land Forces protests
Good morning and thank you for joining us in our live coverage of the ongoing protests in Melbourne’s CBD.
There have been clashes between police and a large group of protesters outside the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre where the biennial Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition is being held.
Police and protesters are expected to remain on scene in large numbers throughout the conference.
