NewsBite

‘#AustraliaHasFallen’: Conservatives around the world take aim at Australia over Covid rules

Australia is being singled-out on social media by conservative commentators around the world taking aim at our tough Covid rules.

Ben GrahamBen Graham
@bengrahamjourno
less than 2 min read
October 15, 2021 - 1:14PM
People march as they protest against NYC's coronavirus vaccine mandate. Picture: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images/AFP
People march as they protest against NYC's coronavirus vaccine mandate. Picture: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images/AFP

The hashtag #AustraliaHasFallen is trending on Twitter – with conservative commentators around the world taking aim at our tough coronavirus rules.

It appears to have been spurred on by the news that tens of thousands of Northern Territory workers could be fined or blocked from their workplaces unless they get vaccinated against Covid-19.

The new rules make it mandatory for many workers who interact with the public to have their first jab by November 12. Second doses will need to be complete by December 24.

If they’re not, workers won’t be permitted to go to their workplace and could be fined $5000 for failing to comply with a mandated health directive.

The #AustraliaHasFallen trend on Twitter has taken off overnight alongside videos of NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner announcing the rules.

However, as many Aussies have pointed out, the most negative reactions have come from overseas. Some Australians have hit back with their own spin on the hashtag.

This all comes one week after a march in New York City in which hundreds chanted “Save Australia”.

Our nation became the surprising focal point of a march against vaccine mandates for teachers in the Big Apple, with some demonstrators waving Aussie flags.

The large crowd gathered outside the Australian consulate in the city for speeches in support of Australia after they marched through Manhattan.

“What’s going on in Australia is not just going to be Australia. And when it shows up on our doorsteps, we’re gonna punch it right in the f***ing teeth,” one speaker said.

“We’re holding the line for Australia, we support Australia!” said another.

People march as they protest against NYC's coronavirus vaccine mandate. Picture: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images/AFP
People march as they protest against NYC's coronavirus vaccine mandate. Picture: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images/AFP

Aussies by their thousands reacted to the demonstration with extreme sarcasm, disbelief and reflected concern for Americans in response to the march.

More Coverage

Photos of men from Melbourne protests
Heath Parkes-Hupton
Anti-vax mum hiding over disturbing photo
Ben Graham

Australia has become a focal point for some commentators in the USA who see the nation as an extreme example of lockdowns and Covid restrictions.

For example, last month, the Texas Freedom Coalition posted an image to its Facebook page that likened Australia’s strict Covid-19 lockdown laws to a penitentiary system.

A map of Australia is pictured alongside the text: “What the world’s largest prison looks like from space”.

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

More related stories

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/world/coronavirus/australia/australiahasfallen-conservatives-around-the-world-take-aim-at-australia-over-covid-rules/news-story/10db31102ea0d8db902b6b7ae1526f70