Protesters hit Sydney’s CBD over vaccine mandates but no arrests made

Protesters filed into the city in much smaller numbers than the crowds that caused chaos in the CBD at the height of the Covid pandemic.

Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Sydney’s CBD to peacefully rally against mandatory vaccination.

Protesters began filing into the city from midmorning Sunday, with police on hand to ensure it did not reach the levels of chaos experienced at the height of the Covid pandemic.

Workers must currently be fully vaccinated to work in industries including health care, hospitality venues including for weddings and funerals, and hair and beauty.

Carrying banners and signs complete with unproven scientific messages and slogans, the crowd marched through the city — making stops in Hyde Park and Prince Alfred Park.

Crowds took to the streets of Sydney on Sunday to protest against vaccine mandates in Australia. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

With 93 per cent of NSW fully vaccinated the number of people in attendance was well down on the anti-lockdown protests of mid-2021. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

Onlookers reported hearing protesters use phrases such as “we’re the next generation of ANZACs”.

The Australian, Aboriginal and even a Trump 2024 campaign flag were flown in the air as the crowd moved along.

With more than 93 per cent of the state fully vaccinated, the numbers in attendance were a long way below what was seen at the anti-lockdown protests earlier this year.

A NSW Police spokesperson said no arrests had been made and the protesters eventually dispersed.

Similar protests against mandatory vaccination were held in Newcastle and Melbourne.

The rallies come just days before NSW further relaxes restrictions with unvaccinated people to be allowed into venues they had previously been restricted from.

Bearing banners and posters with slogans, the crowd marched through the city. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

A NSW Police spokesperson said no arrests had been made and the protesters dispersed. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

Masks will only be required on public transport and planes, while the square metre rules for pubs, cafes and venues will also be scrapped.

Businesses will still have the discretion to ask for proof of vaccination, but it will no longer be mandatory.

NSW recorded 485 new Covid cases on Sunday, with two men – both of who were unvaccinated – dying in hospital.

Originally published as Protesters hit Sydney’s CBD over vaccine mandates but no arrests made