The arrival of Julian Assange on Australian soil made waves in Launceston, with those who campaigned for his release heralding it as a "dream come true".
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Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson celebrated Mr Assange's release with community supporters on Friday, June 28 after the Wikileaks founder touched down in Canberra on Wednesday evening.
The Launceston-based senator said it was hard work as he and others campaigned for Mr Assange's return for six years.
"It's a dream come true for many people, including the people that are standing behind me here today," Senator Whish-Wilson said.
"Like hundreds and thousands of Australians and millions of people around the world, I'm feeling overjoyed that we've finally got a resolution to what I think has been one of the greatest justices and abuses of power of our time."
'It's real - it's actually happening'
The senator said he couldn't believe the news when he was informed.
"I was sitting in my party room, and I got a message from my staff with a video of Julian hopping onto an aeroplane," Senator Whish-Wilson said
"I got emotional - I didn't believe it.
"I thought it was some kind of AI conspiracy that someone had manufactured, a fake video.
"[I was told] 'No, Peter, it's real - it's actually happening', and then I couldn't focus on the rest of my meeting."
People power and politics unite
Senator Whish-Wilson said he had seen "people power and politics work together" during the long campaign supporting Mr Assange.
"I've seen people power and politics work together, and by politics I mean all politicians - it's a very very rare moment in Australian politics," he said.
"It's one of the highlights of my time in politics.
"It's such a momentous occasion for freedom of speech and freedom of the press."
Senator Whish-Wilson said Mr Assange's release would have been impossible without consistent campaigning by millions of supporters around the world.
"The wonderful, amazing people like I have behind me today, are normal everyday people who've seen this injustice and have found their voice," he said.
" ... They got up every day and harassed politicians like me to actually do something about it - we wouldn't have had this outcome without it."
Northern Tasmania born and bred. School reporter, interested also in the Launceston music scene. Email me at saree.salter@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Northern Tasmania born and bred. School reporter, interested also in the Launceston music scene. Email me at saree.salter@austcommunitymedia.com.au
