‘Block the bill’: Queensland protesters march against emergency Covid powers
Swarms of angry protesters have descended on the Queensland Parliament to rail against a controversial decision by Annastacia Palaszczuk.
Hundreds of demonstrators have taken to the streets of Brisbane for the second day in a row to protest against the extension of emergency Covid-19 powers.
The self-proclaimed “freedom fighters” gathered outside Parliament House on Tuesday, venting their rage at vaccine mandates and Covid emergency measures – which have been extended from April 30 to October 31.
Mixed messages were sprouted, with some expressing hatred of the government and others chanting “block the bill”.
“Shame on you, Annastacia,” one woman said during a social media broadcast of the demonstration.
“We are the people, we are the power, we are one.”
Pictures show people flying Australian flag upside down – a signal meant to warn people of extreme danger to life and property.
Under extended emergency powers, mandatory quarantining, movement restrictions, gathering limits, self-isolation, social distancing and the sharing of confidential information for contact tracing will still be allowed.
Queensland Human Rights Commissioner Scott McDougall blasted the Palaszczuk government at a parliamentary committee on Monday.
“As a community, we have learnt about the impacts of quarantining conditions on people’s mental health, the human rights limitations arising from public health directions that confine people to their homes and the mandating of vaccines,” Mr McDougall wrote in a 12-page submission to the committee.
“Powers imposing such significant human rights limitations cannot continue without proper oversight, transparency and external review.
“The commission recommends this bill not proceed and instead be replaced with comprehensive human rights compatible pandemic legislation.”
The powers were last extended in September.
Health Minister Yvette D’Ath argues the extension of emergency powers is necessary to keep the state safe from any new rapid and unpredictable coronavirus variants – despite declining case numbers.
Ms D’Ath said the chief health officer’s directions for quarantine and unvaccinated travellers entering Queensland would keep the state safe from future waves.
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