Coronavirus: Daniel Andrews denies double standard in Melbourne arrests

Daniel Andrews defends arrests at an anti-lockdown protest, after a refusal to fine Black Lives Matter rally attendees.

Freedom Day protesters at a rally in Melbourne. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says there was “no double standard” involved in the police approach to Tuesday‘s anti-lockdown protest in Melbourne and their refusal to fine attendees at a Black Lives Matter protest in early June.

As many as 10,000 people attended the largely peaceful June 6 protest — many of them wearing masks despite flouting what was then a ban on outdoor gatherings of more than 20 people.

At the time, the Andrews government backed a police decision to fine only three organisers.

Amid violent clashes between anti-lockdown protesters and police outside state parliament yesterday, police arrested 404 people and fined 395 — many of whom refused to wear masks and all of whom were in breach of a ban on outdoor gatherings of more than 10 people.

Asked whether there was a double standard at play, Mr Andrews said: “No, there most certainly isn‘t, and to every Victoria Police member and their family I say thank you for the amazing job you’ve done this year and you do every year.”

A man is arrested on Tuesday in Melbourne's CBD. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Mr Andrews accused the protesters of having “no standards”, saying a female police officer had sustained a broken arm in clashes with protesters yesterday.

“For some of these people there are no standards at all. This is shameful behaviour, absolutely shameful behaviour,” Mr Andrews said.

“No one has defended the right to protest, regardless of the cause, more than me, but not during a global pandemic, and not while your choices impact the health of every other Victorian and your choices impact the livelihoods of every other Victorian.”

Liberal Democrats MP David Limbrick attended yesterday‘s protest as an observer, having attended the Black Lives Matter protest in a similar capacity.

Asked what he made of Mr Limbrick‘s presence at the protest, Mr Andrews said it was “a matter for him”.
“I don‘t think anyone should have attended that, but as far as that person I’d leave you to speak to him,” Mr Andrews said.

Mr Limbrick earlier said the Premier and Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton had “questions to answer” given police had forced hundreds of protesters to ”stand shoulder to shoulder for four hours” on Tuesday.

The Black Lives Matter rally in Melbourne in June. Picture: Jason Edwards

Mr Limbrick was among those arrested and charged with failing to comply with the Chief Health Officer‘s directions.

“Yesterday, police herded people together, forcing them to mingle at close proximity for four hours or more, and then essentially charged them for failing to socially distance,” Mr Limbrick said.

“COVID escaped hotel quarantine because of a lack of planning. This was almost worse, because they created a high risk situation despite planning it carefully.”
Mr Limbrick says there was a stark contrast between police handling of yesterday’s protest and the BLM protest he attended in June.
“We were able to socially distance at the BLM protest so I am not surprised no cases emerged.

“I am not sure I can say the same about yesterday. If any cases emerge from the protest yesterday it will be the government’s fault.

“If no cases emerge it will indicate there is no longer a public health risk at protests and our right to peaceful assembly should be restored.”

While six people who attended the Black Lives Matter protest went on to test positive for coronavirus over the following fortnight, Victoria's Department of Health and Human Services said in July: “Currently there is no evidence to suggest they acquired the virus from the protest.”
Mr Limbrick said he was also concerned by what he described as “unnecessarily rough” handling of protesters by police.
“I saw young women having panic attacks and an old man who asked to go to the toilet grabbed by the head and dragged away,“ he said.