Thousands of “freedom” protesters held demonstrations against Covid-19 vaccine mandates and pandemic powers.
The Andrews government’s controversial new legislation, which passed parliament on Thursday, makes the premier and health minister responsible for declaring pandemics and making health orders.
The legislation will replace the state of emergency on December 16 and makes Victoria the first state in Australia with pandemic-specific laws.
Protesters were chanting “freedom” and “sack Dan Andrews” while they waved flags as they made their way through the CBD.
The group then made its way towards Flinders St where organisers encouraged people to “cause some disruption”.
The mostly mask-less crowds marched through Treasury Gardens and were seen waving Donald Trump placards, United Australia party posters, Eureka and national flags, and signs about various conspiracy theories.
Some were waving Greek flags.
A large number of Greek-Australians were at the protests “because they respected people’s right to choose” as George Drakoulis, one of the protesters, told Neos Kosmos.
Anna Makris said she lost her job because of the vaccine mandates and was hoping the rule would be dropped so she could return to work.
The protest has been largely peaceful.
United Australia Party MP Craig Kelly was among a number of speakers and entertainment acts who addressed the crowd at Treasury Gardens before they again moved through the city towards Flinders Street Station.
