Grafton Covid lockdown protest response defended by police chief

The head of Grafton police has been joined by other commands across the North Coast in condemning protest actions last week, and warn that public health orders will be enforced

Grafton police station’s officer in charge says it is disappointing police were forced to make arrests at a protest held on Tuesday, but has backed their actions.

It is a stand that has been reinforced right across the region in response to the protests across the state

Police in Coffs Harbour joined Grafton police in their hardline stance against the breach of public health orders, while Tweed police are actively trying to identify five people who were photographed at unauthorised protests on the Queensland and New South Wales border.

“They are in place for a reason – to protect the community from the spread of COVID-19,” the spokesperson said.

“Accordingly, police will continue to enforce the orders to ensure our vulnerable communities remain protected and as many people as possible are protected from serious illness or even death.”

Chief Inspector Jo Reid said there were nine arrests, 11 court attendance notices and a number of infringements handed out at the protest by about 50 people outside Clarence Valley Council.

She said their actions had the potential to increase the spread of Covid-19 and extend the times restrictions would be in place.

“Despite the vast majority of people abiding by the rules, the small number of individuals who aren’t doing the right thing put the rest of us at risk,” she said.

“It only takes one person doing the wrong thing to spread the virus throughout our community and police won’t hesitate to take action as was the case on Tuesday.”

Chief Inspector Reid said police issued a number of requests, followed by warnings before they took action.

“People were given plenty of opportunity,” she said.

“But police were left having to make arrests as captured by video footage of the day. It’s disappointing.”

Grafton police have also been assisting the sheriff with Covid compliance throughout the community.

“On the whole the response from the community has been very good,” Chief Inspector Reid said.

“However, if people continue to do the wrong thing, we will take action.”