Opposition leader Matthew Guy urged angry protesters who chanted death threats against the Premier to “take their frustrations to the ballot box”. “Victoria Police will have a presence in the area throughout the day to ensure the safety of those protesting and the broader community.” However, we ask that people do so peacefully and respectfully without impacting on the rest of the community,” the spokesman said. “Individuals have the right to lawfully protest. Signs reading “kill the bill” were held up, as protesters chanted “lockdowns kill”.Ī spokesman for Victoria Police confirmed that by 12pm the Melbourne protest had grown large enough to warrant a response from the force. In an online group for the event, demonstrators were encouraged to “bring signs, megaphones and flags”. The ‘Rise Up Melbourne’ protesters gathered outside the State Library at 12pm, then proceeded to march towards Parliament House. “We’re being governed by insane medical bureaucrats.” We are no longer governed for the people or by the people. “I have decided to take a stand like many of you have here today – I hear you. “We have engaged extensively with some of the most trusted leaders in public health, human rights and law and policy making – and the amendments reflect that consultation,” he said.Ī child is seen holding a ‘Sack Dan Andrews’ sign during a rally against the state government's proposed pandemic laws, in Melbourne. “The new pandemic laws will provide a clear framework for managing pandemics such as Covid-19 – while putting the safety of all Victorians first”, he told reporters. He said sending people to jail for up to two years for violating public health orders would only occur under extreme circumstances. Health Minister Martin Foley defended the changes saying the legislation will mean the state has “the most accountable, transparent and public health-focused system” in Australia. In an open letter opposing the Bill, the lawyers said it does not allow proper scrutiny of the government’s decision making process before those decisions are made.īut on Monday night the Andrews Government announced it would make some changes in order to get the support it needed to pass parliament. Some of Victoria’s top lawyers have expressed concern over the sweeping legislation. The protests, which coincided with the vaccination mandate being made official in Victoria for all construction workers, saw children holding signs that read “Sack Dan Andrews” and speeches from controversial figures including MP Craig Kelly. The Rise Up protest on Saturday was larger in scale than the anti-lockdown, anti-vaccine mandate rallies that preceded it – how big exactly is unknown but video footage suggests the number could be over 100,000. It comes after tens of thousands of people crowded into the Melbourne CBD over the weekend in a show of solidarity against the proposed Pandemic Bill. The legislation has already passed the lower house, but the opposition is now proposing 18 new amendments, including limiting the extensions of pandemic declarations to one month, requiring advice from the Chief Health Officer to be tabled in parliament, and adding a right of appeal via VCAT for any person impacted by a pandemic order. The Bill, which would give Premier Daniel Andrews and Health Minister Martin Foley unprecedented powers, is set to be pushed through parliament this week to replace the state’s emergency powers. Victoria’s Health Minister has defended the state’s controversial pandemic legislation as the Andrews Government agreed to make a number of amendments after facing backlash over the potential new rules.