Protesters demand end to Victoria’s state of emergency
Protesters have rallied outside state parliament calling for the Andrews government to scrap Victoria’s state of emergency.
Victoria
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Protesters lashed out at the state government on Tuesday night in a rally calling for an end to Victoria’s state of emergency.
The demonstration was sparked by legislation to extend the state of emergency powers until December. The bill was due to pass through the Upper House Tuesday night.
The protest was organised by the same group behind previous ‘freedom protests’ and anti-lockdown events.
Tuesday night’s gathering, opposite state parliament, was flanked by a large police presence, including officers on horseback, motorbikes and bicycles, who ringed Gordon Reserve — the park between Spring and Macarthur streets.
About 60 people attended, including people wearing wigs, waving flags and holding signs.
One man played the guitar and sang a song about “lying politicians” and the coming revolution.
Protester Nathan, who asked for his surname not to be used, was wearing a Sack Dan Andrews T-shirt.
He said the government had “plenty of time to come up with legislation for the legal instruments they need and they haven’t done it”.
Protester Morgan C Jonas gave a speech where he said “people are sick of being exploited” by the state of emergency powers.
He called the Premier a “maniac” and said the crossbenchers were “slimy”.
“If Daniel Andrews was truly concerned about this virus why would he adopt such an inept approach to hotel quarantine?”
Mr Jonas earlier told 3AW radio he and other demonstrators were opposed to the state of emergency powers being extended.
“It (the protest) is about giving people a voice. I think millions of Victorians are very frustrated with Dan Andrews’ government, many people have suffered greatly under the state of emergency and the lockdowns,” he said.
He accused the Premier of being on a power trip.
“What we’ve seen since the extension of the emergency powers are restrictions and Chief Health Officer directions which appear to be coming down unilaterally from the government, we’ve seen an extraordinary consolidation of power in the Victorian government.”
He said while it appeared Mr Andrews was holding on to his supporter base he was hopeful “more and more people will see this for what it is - a power grab.”
Protesters previously rallied on February 12 on the eve of the five-day snap lockdown.
The demonstration that night involved a march from Flinders Street Station to Rod Laver Arena where protesters shouted at the tennis fans “Australia is not open”.
Victoria Police said of Tuesday night’s protest: “We respect the right people have to express their views and to protest peacefully and lawfully, as long as it is in accordance with the Chief Health Officer directions.”
“There will be a police presence to ensure the safety of all involved and to ensure no breach of the peace or other offences occur,” police said in a statement.
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