Thousands protest in Brisbane anti-vax rally
Controversial billionaire Clive Palmer has told protesters in Brisbane he’d rather ‘go out of business’ than follow the health advice of the Queensland Government.
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Controversial billionaire Clive Palmer says he’d rather ‘go out of business’ than follow the health advice of the Queensland Government.
Mr Palmer was the headline speaker at an anti-vax rally in Brisbane on Saturday.
He began his speech by proudly declaring to the huge crowd that he was not vaccinated.
Unvaccinated Queenslanders will be unable to enjoy certain freedoms from December 17, including attending pubs, restaurants, cinemas, nightclubs, concerts and stadiums.
Mr Palmer’s advice to businesses unsure whether or not to follow the mandate was that he would rather “go out of business” than listen to the ruling from the Palaszczuk Government.
Mr Palmer also took potshots at other national leaders.
“Our rights don’t come from Dan Andrews, they don’t come from Mark McGowan or from Palachook (Annastacia Palaszczuk),” Mr Palmer said.
Mr Palmer did endorse one politician, however - rogue federal MP Craig Kelly.
“Craig Kelly has courage and he’s fair dinkum and I’m fair dinkum new government,” he said.
Mr Palmer told the crowd that if they want “freedom” they need to change the government.
When questioned about preferences he told protesters to “put the Liberals, Labor, and the Greens last” at the next election.
Mr Palmer also spoke about donating 32.9 million doses of the controversial drug
hydroxychloroquine to the Australian Government. At least a third of the donation was eventually destroyed after enthusiasm for the drug waned.
Thousands of people marched in Brisbane’s CBD for the ‘freedom rally’ and while
no official number was provided for how big the crowd was, those on the ground say the numbers could easily have reached 10,000.
The protesters this afternoon marched through the intersection of George and Margaret streets before stopping on George St, outside King George Square.
High-end businesses such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel locked their doors and were protected by security guards as the protestors made their way through the city.
The protest also delayed Brisbane City Council buses, with commuters facing 20 minute waits in the city.
There was a significant police presence but there were no reported arrests or unrest.
Earlier in the day, protesters said that once the “apartheid” begins on December 17, there would be a “party” in the streets on December 18.
Organisers said today’s protest was the largest of its kind yet to be organised in Brisbane.
The group promised a “peaceful destruction” of the “Queensland dictatorship”.
Protesters had earlier gathered in Brisbane’s botanic gardens awaiting speeches from pro choice, anti-vax, anti-lockdown advocates and Mr Palmer.
Protest organisers earlier asked the crowd what they thought of the Premier before a large “boo” sounded across the park.
The organisers called out a man walking around with a noose and told him to throw it away as “this wasn’t the place for that”.
A spokesman said to the crowd during the opening remarks that while it was hot and uncomfortable, it was ‘war’.
“This is war and war is never comfortable,”
Organisers acknowledged the traditional custodians, all of the emergency services, and also the ANZACs and people who have died in service of Australia.
By 12.30pm, one protester had passed out due to the heat and was removed requiring medical attention.
Other protesters avoided the heat by taking refuge under trees and tents.
Signs among the crowd had messages on them such as ‘shame on the media’, ‘fight for freedom’, ‘wake up Australia’, and ‘no Vax passports’.
Other signage voiced concerns about the vaccine and mandates, while others spoke of conspiracy theories about depopulation and poisoning children.
Protest leaders held up banners of the ‘people’s revolution’ while the enthusiastic crowd cheered and held up peace hand gestures.
Protesters cheered as singers performed ‘we are one’ and held hands singing: “I am, you are, we are Australian”.
They also condemned the December 17 date which will separate the unvaccinated from events, restaurants, bars and other venues, labelling it an “apartheid”.
The protest spokesman gave plugs to various businesses which have supported the People’s Revolution as he said the unvaccinated will have to support each other when they are locked out.
The crowd also chanted “wake up Australia”, and “no jab, no pay, no way we won’t obey”.
“The people United we’ll never be divided”.
Protesters were singing John Farnham’s ‘You’re the voice’ as they exited the gardens.
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