‘Tell the truth’: Anti-vax protesters descend upon Melbourne for another day of demonstrations

Anti-vaccine protesters have descended on the ABC, demanding to speak to Ita Buttrose about vaccine rules and pandemic powers.

Thousands of “freedom” protesters have returned to Melbourne for another day of demonstrations against Covid-19 vaccine mandates and pandemic powers..

The demonstrators gathered in Treasury Gardens before marching their way through the CBD towards Flinders Station.

An anti-fascist counter-rally took place nearby.

Protesters could be heard chanting “freedom” and “sack Dan Andrews” while they waved flags and signs with anti-vaccine slogans.

Trump flags and placards that promoted QAnon conspiracy theories were also seen.

US and Trump 2020 flags could be seen at the rally. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

Protesters shouted “kill the bill” as the made their way to Treasury Gardens. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

In disturbing scenes, many of the demonstrators made their way to ABC’s Southbank studios, where organisers demanded to speak with managing director Ita Buttrose.

Police officers blocked the crowd from the entrance to the ABC’s Melbourne headquarters.

The crowd remained for some time, being led in chants of “tell the truth” and “liars”.

State MP Catherine Cumming could be seen trying to ease tensions and move protesters along.

Anti-vaccine protesters have gathered in Melbourne. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

Protesters made signs to let Daniel Andrews know their opinions on vaccine mandates. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

A spokesperson for Victoria Police confirmed attendance fell much shorter than the 20,000 organisers anticipated.

“Approximately 8000 to 10,000 protestors were in attendance at the peak of the activity,” the said.

“There was a significant police presence throughout the city and no arrests were made as of 5pm.”

The disparate group of anti-government protesters has gathered weekly for more than a month.

Anti government protesters have gathered to oppose Covid restrictions. Picture: NCA NewsWire

Protesters blew horns and beat drums as they brought traffic to a standstill. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

Federal MP Craig Kelly was among the keynote speakers.

“Vaccine mandates are undemocratic. It is unethical, a violation of human rights and we should not stand for it,” Mr Kelly said.

The crossbencher called on the federal government to “knee-cap” the state’s vaccine mandate.

Earlier, a GP under investigation for fudging vaccine records told the crowd health authorities had suspended his registration.

Mark Hobart said the organisation had “threatened to jail him” if he continued presenting himself as a registered doctor.

Rally organisers then led demonstrators to chant “Dr Hobart, Dr Hobart, Dr Hobart”.

Victoria Police had a heavy police presence, with mounted police barricading the steps of parliament while the highway patrol blocked off Spring St.

Protesters gathered with flags and signs of support for the UAP. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

An anti-government demonstration wears a mask on his head as he protests Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

Previous rallies across Melbourne have resulted in Covid-19 outbreaks among attendees.

On Saturday, health authorities confirmed 39 cases were linked to people who had attended the mass gatherings in November.

An additional 32 cases have been linked indirectly to the protests through spread to family members and at other social events.

Three cases linked to the protests are in hospital and another is in intensive care.