Protesters set to rally on Australia Day to ‘celebrate freedom’
A group who protested against Melbourne’s coronavirus lockdown is vowing to take to the streets on Australia Day.
Victoria
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Premier Daniel Andrews has told Victorians not to protest Australia Day amid coronavirus concerns, as police vowed anyone caught committing a crime at rallies would be “held to account”.
Multiple groups are planning events on January 26, including the annual Invasion Day march and a People’s Australia Day Parade, led by a group of anti-lockdown protesters.
However, authorities have promised a heavy-handed response and will be on scene enforcing social distancing rules and handing out $1652 fines.
“As always, police will not tolerate any anti-social or criminal behaviour from any sector of the community,’’ a Victoria Police spokesman said.
“Anyone looking to attend an event to cause trouble can expect a firm response from police; you will be arrested and held to account if you commit a crime.”
The state government has cancelled Melbourne’s Australia Day Parade because of COVID-19. Mr Andrews on Thursday urged people not to attend protests on Australia Day.
“This will be a different Australia Day because we’re in the midst of a global pandemic,” he warned.
“This is not a commentary on what people might be protesting about
but it’s no time to be protesting.”
A government spokeswoman said: “Police won’t tolerate anyone who purposefully breaches the directives of the Chief Health Officer and jeopardises community safety.”
A defiant group of anti-lockdown protesters that disobeyed health orders amid Melbourne’s coronavirus lockdown has vowed to host a People’s Australia Day Parade from Victoria Gardens to St Kilda.
“Celebrate Australian Freedom,” the group said.
“Keep Our Australia Day. Get ready to bring your Australian flags and costumes. We will not let Dan cancel Australia Day. We will take back our Parade.”
Up to 4700 people have said they will attend, or are interested in attending, the Invasion Day protest in Melbourne, organised by Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance, which hosted the controversial Black Lives Matter protest last June.
The group on Wednesday called for volunteer marshalls to “keep people safe, control confrontation points and maintain COVID-safe rules”. “We invite you to stand with us to abolish Australia Day. Today is a day of mourning for our people.”
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