The planned anti-lockdown protest in the Melbourne CBD this Sunday presents a significant risk to Victorians health and safety and demands firm action from the Andrews Labor Government.
Mass gatherings such as these are in clear breach of current restrictions and present an unacceptable risk of spreading COVID-19, just as Victorians enter our state’s harshest lockdown to date.
Over recent months, the Andrews Labor Government has twice failed to take meaningful action against illegal protests, including:
- Black Lives Matter Protest on June 6 where 10,000 gathered in the Melbourne CBD and only 3 organisers received fines.
- CFMMEU Protest in early July where 250 people gathered at a worksite in Hawthorn East and only 1 organiser received a fine.
At both of these illegal protests, not a single attendee was fined – sending a clear message to the broader community that there are no consequences for breaking the rules.
Daniel Andrews must learn from his past mistakes, he must put the health and safety of Victorians first and act to stop this event before it occurs.
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Police & Community Safety, David Southwick:
“Daniel Andrews has twice dropped the ball on tackling illegal protests – and locked down Victorian families and businesses cannot afford a third.
“These events are a slap in the face to every Victoria making real sacrifices to follow the rules and the Andrews Government must act to stop this protest before it occurs.
“Victoria Police are doing an outstanding job in very difficult circumstances and deserve the full support of the government when managing COVID-19 breaches such as these.”
