Anti-vax protestors swarm Darwin Esplanade

The Chief Minister has slammed the hundreds attending the Darwin Freedom Rally, calling them “idiots”. SEE THE PICTURES

Chief Minister Michael Gunner has slammed the hundreds attending the Darwin Freedom Rally, calling them “idiots”.

In a statement put out as about 1000 anti-vaccination and anti-lockdown protesters flocked to the Esplanade on Saturday, Mr Gunner thanked those who didn’t attend.

“I thank the vast, overwhelming majority of Territorians who, instead of selfishly rallying today against a safe and life-saving vaccine, have selflessly turned out day after day to get vaccinated,” he said.

“This was a rally against protecting our kids and our vulnerable.

“A rally of the selfish and the misinformed - a rally of idiots.”

The protesters gathered in 36C heat to claim Covid-19 was a hoax and that the vaccine should not be taken.

This Saturday’s protests were extra fired up, due to the recent announcement that many workers across the NT would be required to receive two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine by Christmas, or face finding another job.

The group met at the Esplanade before marching and chanting their way towards Parliament House.

Chief health officer Dr Hugh Heggie on Wednesday said the vaccine was safe and urged people to roll up their sleeves to protect themselves and their loved ones.

“It hasn’t got microchips in it, or 5G SIM cards,” Dr Heggie said.

Originally published as Anti-vax protestors swarm Darwin Esplanade