Anti-vax protesters march across CBD as police launch fresh hunt for CFMEU protesters

Thousands of so-called ‘freedom’ protesters have marched through Melbourne, objecting to vaccine mandates, with police confirming it was a peaceful rally.

About 20,000 ‘freedom’ protesters marched through Melbourne’s CBD on Saturday afternoon to rally against “mandatory vaccines and vaccine passports”.

Organisers branded the event a “millions march”, but Victoria Police estimated a far more modest attendance.

“Despite significant numbers, the protest was peaceful with no arrests made,” a Victoria Police spokesman said.

Anti government protesters have gathered in Bourke St before they march across the CBD. Picture: Ian Currie

The marchers began gathering at Parliament House around noon, with independent upper house MP Catherine Cumming among the crowd.

By 2pm, protesters had flooded Bourke, Queen and Flinders streets as they looped their way to Treasury Gardens.

Multiple tram routes were affected, while city traffic was brought to a standstill.

Anti government protesters gather in Bourke St before they march around the CBD. Picture: Ian Currie

The protest is spilling across several CBD streets. Picture: Ian Currie

Signs were a popular accessory for many, with some reading: “No mandates, no passports”, “Kill the Bill” and “Who needs sex when the government f--ks us every day”.

Australian, Aboriginal, American, Eureka, British, Greek, Indian and Polish flags were some of those being flown or worn by the protesters.

Marchers gather on the steps of Parliament House to protest against mandatory vaccination.

Marchers brought anti-Daniel Andrews signage. Picture: Ian Currie

While most attendees stuck to chanting “Kill the Bill”, “Save our children” and “Sack Dan Andrews”, a few yelled darker threats to the Premier.

Toddlers could be seen attending in their prams, with some primary school-aged children also brandishing signs and flags.

Speakers addressed thousands at Treasury Gardens from 2pm onwards, the lawn quickly disappearing from sight as more people took a seat post-march.

Anti-vaccination protesters gather on Saturday.

A protester near the steps of Parliament House in Melbourne. Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Last weekend’s march was advertised by the group Melbourne Freedom Rally as a protest to “stop the pandemic Bill” and “sack Dan Andrews”.

However, the social media post advertising this march did not mention the controversial pandemic Bill nor the Premier.

Construction workers march through the streets on September 21, 2021 in Melbourne.

It came after detectives revealed they were on the hunt for at least 13 men in the wake of a string of violent September protests across the city.

A male in a beige cap released a flare towards police officers at a ‘freedom’ protest in Richmond on September 18 around 1pm.

More than 700 anti-lockdown protesters were estimated to have gathered on Bridge Rd in Richmond after Victoria Police took unprecedented action and shut down the city’s public transport network.

Two days later on September 20, several men in hi-vis threw objects and missiles to the front of CFMEU headquarters on Elizabeth St causing significant damage, as they protested against mandatory vaccinations in the construction sector.

Detectives are on the hunt for at least 13 men.

The wanted men attended protests in September.

On September 21, when a large number of protesters converged on foot on the West Gate Bridge, a man with ski goggles launched what appeared to be a firework towards police officers around 3.30pm.

That same day, several people also charged at the Public Order Response Team and Highway Patrol vehicles on Rathdowne St in Carlton and damaged several of them.

Victoria Police have released images of all 13 men they believe may be able to assist with inquiries.

Investigators are urging anyone with information that may help identify these men to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at crimestoppersvic.com.au