Daniel Andrews protesters sink to new low as Premier reveals death threats over pandemic bill

The attacks against Daniel Andrews seemed to reach their lowest point when protesters brought gallows to the CBD. But that wasn’t even the worst of it.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews speaks during question time at Parliament House in Melbourne. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Those protesting against the Victorian Government’s proposed Pandemic Bill plumbed new depths when they brought gallows to the CBD this week.

Premier Daniel Andrews says that’s not the worst of it. Speaking on Wednesday as protesters gathered outside Parliament House for a third straight day, Mr Andrews said his family had received death threats.

“They are essentially attacking the safety of my family,” he told reporters.

“Be really clear and hear this message — I will not be deterred from the work I’m doing to keep every family safe.

“I wouldn’t want the appalling, the disgusting and the potentially criminal behaviour of a small number of people to detract from the amazing job that so many Victorians have done.”

Disturbing footage has emerged of a blow-up replica of Daniel Andrews being thrown on to a makeshift gallow. Picture: Supplied

The protests centre on new laws that could pass through parliament within days and would give the Premier the power to declare a pandemic and the Health Minister authority to introduce new rules around gatherings.

The bill has passed through the lower house and received the support from three key upper house crossbenchers earlier this week who agreed to support it if the government made several key amendments.

On the streets of Melbourne, protesters have been gathering in large numbers, and the demonstrations have taken a sinister turn.

Some of those protesting were heard chanting slogans such as “Kill Dan Andrews” and “Hang Dan Andrews”.

Disturbing vision also showed a man shouting on a megaphone for protesters to take over parliament and “lead the state to freedom”.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews speaks at Parliament House in Melbourne. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

On Tuesday, protesters were seen chasing away journalists, while organisers tried to stop other demonstrators from interrupting a live television cross insisting: “We have to show them we are normal people.”

Mr Andrews said he encouraged debate, but actions in the past week had gone too far.

“This disagreement is fine, that is a part of our system,” he said.

“What we have seen in recent days and weeks is not fine, it is awful.

“I’m offended, not at the threats, but at the fact this ugly behaviour might be taking the focus away from what we should be focused on.”

Health Minister Martin Foley accused Liberal MPs of fanning the flames and trying to “walk both sides of a barbed wire fence”.

“You can’t inflame the situation … and at the same time condemn the outcomes of your actions,” Mr Foley said.

Animal Justice Party MP @AndyMeddickMP to Opposition Leader @MatthewGuyMPpic.twitter.com/lVgbniPwwp

— Sharnelle Vella (@SharnelleVella) November 15, 2021

Protesters gathered for a third day at Parliament House on Wednesday after several hundred remained on the steps on Tuesday evening.

The protesters are continuing to voice their anger at the proposed pandemic legislation, which MPs are debating this week.

The legislation, which has been widely criticised over human rights and legal issues, successfully moved through the lower house last month and is set to pass this week after several amendments.

Ombudsman Deborah Glass said the government had not been transparent enough with the public in the lead up to the pandemic management bill‘s debate in parliament.

She said greater transparency could have prevented wild protests from unfolding.

— with NCA NewsWire