Anti-Australia Day protest shuts down CBD traffic

Groups gathered at State Parliament to rally against Australia Day, with protesters pushing past a police line to walk down Bourke Street, shutting down CBD traffic. Meanwhile, thousands lined the streets in the CBD, gripping Australian flags to watch the annual Australia Day parade.

Anti-Australia Day protesters in the CBD.

Thousands have gathered at State Parliament to protest Australia Day.

Protesters have pushed past a police line to walk down Bourke Street from State Parliament House.

Protesters are chanting a variety of chants including “no pride in genocide” and “always was, always will be Aboriginal land.”

The protest remains peaceful but is shutting down CBD traffic.

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“Let Us Through.”
Protesters want to push through police barrier. @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/K7fgbV71Gn

— Brianna Travers (@briannatravers) January 26, 2019

Australia Day protesters: “no pride in genocide.” @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/FACJ9OuToY

— Brianna Travers (@briannatravers) January 26, 2019

Protesters have been seen waving Aboriginal and Australian flags as well as signs saying ‘end genocide’.

Speakers have campaigned for the removal of public drunkenness and the end of Manus Island.

They have also wanted to stop homophobia, transphobia and sexism in Australian society.

The protest has shut down the intersection of Bourke Street and Spring Street.

Hundreds of police surround the area including the mounted brigade.

The Sunday Herald Sun witnessed one right wing counter protester attempt to antagonise the protest but he was quickly removed by police and booed.

The protest concluded at 2pm and trams are now running again throughout the CBD.

Thousands at the intersection of Bourke and Spring St protesting Australia Day. @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/IhYKtujbdo

— Brianna Travers (@briannatravers) January 25, 2019

FAMILIES FLOCK TO AUSTRALIA DAY PARADE

Thousands of people have lined the streets of Melbourne’s CBD gripping Australian flags to watch the annual Australia Day parade.

Emergency services, youth, cultural and social groups began marching down Swanston St from 11am after officials raised the flags at Melbourne Town Hall.

Victoria Police and the Air Force Band led the march of 71 organisations.

They were followed closely by Girl Guides, the CFA, Ministry of Dance, Buddah’s International, Miss Gay and Miss Transsexual, the Melbourne Costume Group and Transplant Australia.

The parade has kicked off down Swanston St. pic.twitter.com/iAQ2KYu8bQ

— Ashley Argoon (@AshArgoon) January 26, 2019

The flags are raised outside Melbourne Town Hall. pic.twitter.com/22FA1Fyqia

— Ashley Argoon (@AshArgoon) January 26, 2019