Melbourne conspiracy theorists know they can’t cross the line

They are full of bravado, but videos reveal Melbourne’s conspiracy theory-driven, anti-lockdown community is actually terrified.

They are full of bravado, but videos reveal Melbourne’s conspiracy theory-driven, anti-lockdown community is actually terrified.

Groups of protesters doing their best to undermine public health efforts to keep the coronavirus at bay were pictured gathering for protests and, controversially, for a “feast” at a restaurant after Victorians were banned for dining out during lockdown last week.

Smiling for photos, they were thumbing their nose to authorities in a way that has become all-too-familiar during Victoria’s pandemic experience.

But those same individuals are also scared. They know there is a limit to the lengths they can go to in order to make their voices heard.

In a video published on social media this week, the face of one of Melbourne’s largest resistance groups, Monica Smit, told followers she was worried about being arrested for incitement.

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An anti-lockdown protester is arrested in Melbourne last week. Picture: Alex Coppel

“I just want you to know that we are working tirelessly, trying to find ways for us to get this country in a better position than it is right now,” she said.

“It’s really difficult to organise events because of the incitement situation. If I get charged with incitement then it will silence me, firstly, because the bail conditions will mean that I can’t speak out online.

“And incitement is a serious thing. It carries jail time, potentially, or hefty fines and things like that. So, if you’re wondering why I’m not saying, ‘just get out on the streets and screw the government’, it’s because you’ve got to be careful of incitement charges. I am willing to take many risks but calculated ones.”

Later in the video, Ms Smit – whose group is against coronavirus tests, vaccines, masks, QR codes and social distancing – gave advice to followers about how they could avoid using QR codes when shopping at the supermarket.

“If they are there literally signing you in, it’s really hard to get away from it so I am going to be asking for an alternative method and I’m going to have my phone in the car so I can’t use my phone. We’re still looking for loopholes, it’s harder than we thought.”

The group were pictured at Moda Kitchen and Bar in the Victorian suburb of Seddon last Saturday for the illegal feast after attending an anti-lockdown protest.

Police arrest a group in North Melbourne during anti-lockdown protests. Picture: Alex Coppel

As part of the state’s 14-day lockdown, Victorians are only allowed to leave their home for a limited number of reasons, restaurants have been forced to close and public gatherings are banned.

The image was deleted, but furious customers have been lashing the restaurant with one-star reviews and threats of a boycott.

Victoria Police said officers were called to the restaurant over reports of “a group not wearing masks” at about 4.30pm on Saturday. When they arrived, however, the restaurant was reportedly empty.

However, the restaurant has vehemently denied the accusations.

“We were closed. We went there to clean but we were closed. I don’t know what people are talking about,” the restaurant owner told the Herald Sun.

The same group has been sharing material via letterbox drops and erecting signs at major landmarks including Flinders Street Station.

Anti-vaxxer Monica Smit has been outspoken about Victoria's restrictions.

The material encourages people to think before adhering to new coronavirus restrictions.

“You can say no,” the signs read

In a video posted to Facebook last week, the group said there was “anxiety” about what would happen next.

“It’s that same old thing where they have so much control over our feelings and emotions and this is just basically a power play to break us down and make us feel that we’re not in control of our own lives.”

Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent issued a warning for protesters on Friday. He said police would be enforcing the chief health officer’s directions, including a ban on entering regional Victoria from metropolitan Melbourne.

“There’s a risk that some people in Melbourne will head to the regional areas,” he said, before acknowledging that most Victorians have been compliant.

“The vast majority of the community comply with the directions. It’s only that few that make it difficult for the many,” he said.