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Coronavirus: Australia Day protesters warned to keep their distance

With thousands set to protest at “Invasion Day” rallies across the country, premiers, police warn action will be taken to ensure virus rules are not broken.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian. Picture: Getty Images
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian. Picture: Getty Images

Thousands of protesters planning to march in “Invasion Day” rallies across the country on Australia Day have been warned that police will not tolerate any anti-social or criminal behaviour and will take action to ensure COVID rules are not broken.

More than 5000 people are ­expected to protest against “colonial occupation” in Sydney’s ­Domain on Australia Day before marching through the city as part of the global Black Lives Matter protests.

Under COVID rules a maximum of 500 people are permitted to attend an outdoor protest, with the one-person-per-2sq m rules also applying.

As NSW recorded its fourth day free from community transmission, Premier Gladys Berejiklian said: “I understand people feel strongly about these issues, but the NSW health orders are in place this year for a reason, and people must respect them. In the interests of public health, the police will take any necessary steps to make sure the rules are not broken.”

The NSW Police Force has not received any notice from organisers for an authorised protest at The Domain next Tuesday.

Protestors participate in an Invasion Day rally in Sydney last year. Picture: AAP
Protestors participate in an Invasion Day rally in Sydney last year. Picture: AAP

In a Facebook post, organisers declared that January 26 “marks 233 years since British imperialism invaded Gadigal lands to begin a colonial occupation that created Australia’’. “The oppression facing First Nations communities is too ­urgent not to proceed with a mass protest demanding change, even if it breaches the regulations,” organisers said.

“If the NSW government can facilitate 10,000 people attending the cricket they can ensure our rally proceeds safely without police harassment.”

However, the protest would be a COVID-safe event, with strict safety protocols, organisers said.

“We request you do not attend if you have any cold or flu-like symptoms, wear a mask and practice social distancing.”

In Melbourne protesters are planning to gather on the steps of Parliament House at a rally hosted by Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance (WAR). More than 4600 people have expressed interest on Facebook in going.

But Premier Daniel Andrews issued a blunt warning to those planning to attend that with Victoria recording its 15th straight day without any new locally ­acquired coronavirus cases, “now is not the time to protest”.

“We‘ve built something precious and unique … Victorians have through their sacrifice and their commitment and their compassion for each other,” Mr ­Andrews said. “We have to safeguard that.’’

Mr Andrews is already under significant pressure with 10 cases of coronavirus in hotel quarantine linked to the Australian Open, and would be significantly embarrassed by a repeat of the Black Lives Matter protest last year.

That protest on the weekend of June 6-7 took place just over a week before the first day Victoria recorded double-digit new cases, leading into the state’s second COVID wave.

In other states, 2600 people have expressed interest in a protest rally at Forrest Place in Perth, while 1800 plan to walk in a “Survival Day” march in Victoria Square, in Adelaide. A rally is also planned for Queens Gardens in Brisbane.

Read related topics:Coronavirus

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Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/coronavirus-australia-day-protesters-warned-to-keep-their-distance/news-story/c5b38fdcd76de694c8e2ef43827a9d71