NSW Health staff face probe over Sydney anti-lockdown protest

NSW Health is investigating four members of staff who allegedly attended a lockdown protest in Sydney over the weekend.

The Australian understands health staff have been encouraged to report co-workers who are suspected of having attended the protest in Sydney last weekend.

NSW Health is investigating four members of staff who allegedly attended a lockdown protest in Sydney over the weekend, potentially breaching public health orders and the department‘s code of conduct.

The Australian understands health staff have been encouraged to report co-workers who are suspected of having attended the event, which saw thousands of people demonstrate in the Sydney CBD against ongoing lockdown conditions.

In response to questions, a NSW Health spokeswoman said: “NSW Health agencies are aware of reports of four staff who it is claimed attended the lockdown protest.
“Each report is being investigated and any individuals found to have breached the
code of conduct will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.“

A NSW Ambulance paramedic is currently under investigation by NSW Police for attending the event and has been stood down from work, although the spokeswoman was unable to confirm if that case had been included in the four ongoing investigations.

Police are continuing to investigate individuals who attended the rally. Others are being sought for potential criminal charges relating to alleged assaults on officers and police horses.

NSW Police Minister David Elliott on Friday said he was “very concerned” another illegal anti-lockdown protest would take place in Sydney on Saturday, but police were ready.

“NSW police are well prepared for any contingency tomorrow,” he said.

“Now, we’ve got further support from the Australian Defence Force. The message is clear. Don’t go out tomorrow. Don’t attend any illegal protests tomorrow.”