No official numbers have been published regarding attendances, but various media outlets reported that “hundreds of thousands” took to the streets this weekend. Aerial footage showed cities flooded with sizable crowds.
In Sydney, people of all ages gathered in Hyde Park, carrying banners that read “Never lock down again,” and “Less government, more freedom.” In Melbourne, people protested outside the state parliament and blocked Spring Street while chanting “Sack [Premier of Victoria] Dan Andrews,” in an apparent expression of anger over his controversial pandemic powers legislation.
On the Gold Coast, protesters largely supported the leader of Australia’s right-wing One Nation party, Pauline Hanson. The senator, who has been trying to push a bill against mandatory vaccination policies, addressed the crowds, saying she had spoken with Prime Minister Scott Morrison and told him to change the constitution to facilitate her proposed legislation. Read more…