The last I heard they had. It was reported on Radio National that security for the relay would be handled by local authorities.
CHICOM THUGS are allowed into Oz. Read entire article -——>>>>
Rudd says ‘no’ to China torch guards
April 10, 2008 10:51 EDT
BEIJING (AP) — Australian officials say they won’t allow Chinese paramilitary police to run alongside the Olympic flame during its Australian run.
The decision follows criticism of the guards’ aggressive tactics during earlier legs of the relay.
Beijing had dispatched the men in bright blue tracksuits to protect the flame on its 85,000-mile journey, the longest in Olympic history. But the guards’ actions, including yelling and snatching up Tibetan flags during the relay, sparked concern in London and Paris.
The top official for the 2012 London Olympics called them “thugs.”
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says his country’s security detail will keep an eye on the torch. He says China’s “men in blue” can get off the bus only when needed, such as when the torch is passed from one runner to another.