Black Lives Matter protests strike nerve for Hinchinbrook MP

Public outcry over the COVID-19 restriction double standard has pushed Hinchinbrook MP to file a petition to refund fines

Townsville hosted a Black Lives Matter rally at Strand Park, despite COVID-19 regulations advising against large gatherings. Hundreds showed up for the moving, peaceful protest. PICTURE: MATT TAYLOR.

Public outcry over the COVID-19 restriction double standard has pushed Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto to file a petition to refund fines.

Black Lives Matter protests drew tens of thousands of protesters across the state last weekend, with demonstrators calling for action on police brutality, deaths in custody and racism in Australia.

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The death of George Floyd in Minneapolis prompted protests across the world, despite coronavirus restrictions prohibiting it.

Mr Dametto said he understood coronavirus fines were not handed out during protests to keep the peace, but it still highlighted a double standard for those who had received them for small gatherings.

“It wouldn’t have mattered to me if there were 30,000 farmers, or 30,000 greens activists or 30,000 pro-coal activists, I would have taken the same stance,” he said.

Katter's Australian Party’s Nick Dametto. Picture: Alix Sweeney

“Especially in the middle of a health crisis, I believe no body’s issue is above public health.” Mr Dametto said his office had received phone calls from Sydney congratulating him for taking a stand.

The Clerk of the Parliament has sponsored a counter-petition against Mr Dametto’s petition and its “attempt to undermine the rule of law and the foundation of our liberal democracy”.

Mr Dametto’s petition has already received almost 600 signatures. The counter-petition has received three.

Originally published as Black Lives Matter protests strike nerve for Hinchinbrook MP