Protests erupt in Melbourne’s CBD as vaccination mandates come into effect

A massive protest against the Pandemic Bill in Melbourne saw some bizarre conspiracy theories touted by the crowd.

Protests erupted in Melbourne’s CBD today as a controversial vaccination mandate officially came into effect across Victoria.

The new mandate requires all construction workers to be double-vaccinated if they want to continue working on-site in Victoria.

Thousands of protesters hit the streets of Melbourne on Saturday to fight against the mandate.

Protesters also rallied against the state government’s proposed Pandemic Bill.

The new bill would allow Premier Daniel Andrews to declare a “state of pandemic”, triggering the state health minister’s power to issue broad “pandemic orders” to significantly restrict activities and movement.

Conspiracy theorists appeared strong in the crowd with placards emblazoned with “save our children” and ”end medical totalitarianism”.

One bizarre speech from singer Claire Woodley appeared to make QAnon references.

Ms Woodley, who is the daughter of The Seekers Bruce Woodley, dedicated her performance of ‘I am Australian’ to the “brave victims of satanic ritual abuse.”

“It‘s time for their stories to be heard now,” she said as the crowd cheered and whistled.

“Satanic ritual abuse” is a common talking point among QAnon members.

The conspiracy theorists posit that several prominent political leaders are Satanists involved in child trafficking, murder, and torture.

Singer Claire Woodley dedicated her performance to the ‘victims of satanic ritual abuse’ – a common talking point among QAnon conspiracy theorists. Picture: Instagram / @woodleyclaire17

Protesters rallied against the Victorian government’s proposed Pandemic Bill. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Daniel Pockett

Controversial MP Craig Kelly gives speech

Ms Woodley was not the only attendee to tout some controversial statements to the rallying crowd.

Anti-vax United Australia MP Craig Kelly marched alongside protesters before standing up to give a speech.

Mr Kelly left the Liberal party in February, citing a desire to promote unproven Covid-19 therapies such as Ivermectin.

“I want to be able to speak out fearlessly and frankly about those,” Mr Kelly said.

Craig Kelly said Australia was being governed by ‘insane medical bureaucrats’. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Daniel Pockett

The MP told the crow that the government could not be trusted.

“We are in the face of tyranny and corruption,” he said.

“I have decided to take a stand like many of you have here today – I hear you.

“We are no longer governed for the people or by the people.

“We’re being governed by insane medical bureaucrats.”

Protesters chanted, sang, and yelled across the Melbourne CBD, but the majority of participants appeared to remain peaceful. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Daniel Pockett

‘Rise Up Melbourne’

The ‘Rise Up Melbourne’ protesters gathered outside the State Library at 12pm, then proceeded to march towards Parliament House.

In an online group for the event, demonstrators were encouraged to “bring signs, megaphones and flags”.

Signs reading “kill the bill” were held up, as protesters chanted “lockdowns kill”.

A spokesman for Victoria Police confirmed that by 12pm the Melbourne protest had grown large enough to warrant a response from the force.

“Individuals have the right to lawfully protest. However, we ask that people do so peacefully and respectfully without impacting on the rest of the community,” the spokesman said.

“Victoria Police will have a presence in the area throughout the day to ensure the safety of those protesting and the broader community.”

Protesters held up signs as they chanted ‘lockdowns kill’. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Daniel Pockett

An ambulance reportedly arrived on Spring Street about 1.30pm to tend to one woman who appeared to be unwell.

Police officers corralled the crowd while also providing bottles of water to attendees.

While protesters chanted, sang and yelled across the Melbourne CBD, the majority of participants appeared to remain peaceful.

Disturbingly, one protester appeared to be carrying a fake gallows, complete with three nooses as they marched.

Someone in the crowd is carrying a fake gallows with three nooses hanging from it @theagepic.twitter.com/xq3curnWAF

— Rachael Dexter (@rachael_dexter) November 13, 2021

One protester appeared to be carrying a fake gallows, complete with three nooses as they marched. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Daniel Pockett

Dan Andrews forced to cancel presser

Mr Andrews was forced to cancel a planned press conference in Bendigo on Wednesday after police warned of a hostile protest.

As Mr Andrews toured a local TAFE, protesters descended on the venue, forcing him to depart suddenly.

Victorian cases drop

The protests come as Victoria records another 1221 new locally acquired Covid-19 infections, along with four new deaths.

There are now 405 Victorians in hospital with the virus, including 77 in intensive care and 51 on a ventilator.

A total of 60,818 Victorians came forward to get tested on Friday.

About 86 per cent of Victorians aged older than 12 are now fully vaccinated, and around 93 per cent have received their first jab.

A 90 per cent double-dose vaccination rate was predicted to be achieved about November 24.

Yesterday, Victoria recorded 1115 new cases.