Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews slams protesters for appalling behaviour

A furious Daniel Andrews has slammed anti-vaccine protesters, revealing some of the disgusting abuse hurled at healthcare staff.

Protesters have taken to the streets following the Andrews government’s decision to make the Covid-19 vaccine mandatory for workers in the construction sector. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Daniel Andrews has slammed violent protesters who spat on healthcare workers at a Melbourne vaccine hub on Wednesday, labelling the behaviour “ugly and uncalled for”.

The Victorian Premier said people “pretending to be legitimate protesters” had abused staff at the Melbourne Town Hall vaccine hub.

“That is not called for,” he told reporters on Thursday morning.

“These people are doing the very best of work. They are vaccinating people for heaven‘s sake.

“They are providing people with close to certainty that they will not become gravely ill. Why would you abuse, why would you as I’m told, be spitting on people who are doing that sort of work.”

Daniel Andrews has slammed violent protesters who spat on healthcare workers. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Sarah Matray

Mr Andrews warned police would identify those people and prosecute them.

The vaccination site has been closed on Thursday, ahead of potential repeat protests.

Protesters vandalised the CFMEU headquarters in Melbourne on Monday, while bottles, flares and rocks were hurled at police through the CBD streets on Tuesday.

Traffic on the West Gate Bridge was also held up as protesters marched, while the Shrine of Remembrance was trashed on Wednesday.

Police try to stop protesters in Melbourne. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

Protesters have taken to the streets following the Andrews government’s decision to make the Covid-19 vaccine mandatory for workers in the construction sector.

While tradies have been involved, Victoria Police say the protests have been hijacked by far-right extremists.