Cops issue warning to anti-vaxxers planning protests in Melbourne's CBD in defiance of 'absurd' lockdown laws and 5G conspiracy theory
- Anti-vaxxers will host a COVID-19 lockdown protest in Victoria on Mother's Day
- They will demand the government open up the nation again immediately
- Police Minister has pleaded with people not to attend the scheduled protest
- Scott Morrison on Friday announced a three stage 'roadmap out' of lockdown
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
Anti-vaxxers and Victorians fed up with the coronavirus lockdown are planning to break the rules and protest in Melbourne's CBD on Mother's Day.
The protesters will gather on Sunday to demand the government lifts 'absurd' lockdown rules and reopen the nation immediately.
Police Minister Lisa Neville has pleaded with the organisers of the two protests to cancel their plans to take over the city on Sunday.
'I am just making a plea here to protest organisers... to cancel those protests,' she said on Friday.
'We have come so far and to blatantly breach these restrictions like that put Victoria Police in a difficult position, put our community in a difficult position and tie up police resources that we don't need tied up.
The protesters will demand the government lifts 'absurd' lockdown rules and reopen the nation immediately, and have been encouraged to print these signs for the occasion
'If you are thinking about going to those protests, don't. If you do, Victoria Police will be there.'
One of the protests is against the social distancing measures and the other relates to vaccination and 5G network conspiracy theories.
Ridiculous theories linking coronavirus to the rollout of the new 5G network have swept the globe during the health crisis, despite experts' desperate efforts to debunk the claims.
Australian professor of medicine, and public health advocate John Dwyer described conspiracy claims that 5G causes the deadly virus as 'dangerous nonsense'.
He also refuted claims 5G technology is harmful to our health.
'At this time in the fight against the epidemic, this is dangerous nonsense. Even to have a few people think differently that social distancing isn't for them is a silly idea and is putting all of us at risk,' he said.
A pamphlet for the event urged people in 'any state, any country' to 'peacefully stand on the steps of your government building and demand answers.'
Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said about 100 people indicated their intention to attend one of the protests.
But one woman who will attend said that figure is wrong - and that at least 1,000 had registered their interest before the event's Facebook page was shut down on Friday afternoon.
A pamphlet for the event urged people in 'any state, any country' to 'peacefully stand on the steps of your government building and demand answers'
Anti-vaxxers will be present at the protest and will argue the government's lockdown rules are not lawful. Pictured: A separate protest on vaccinations
'Do not be deterred by this continued fear mongering and false reporting,' one protester posted online.
The woman said the primary reason for the 'peaceful protest' is to 'stand up for our lawful rights... and to hold our government accountable for the unlawful directives they have tried to force upon us.'
The lockdown rules have been 'sold off as lawful, in our interests and to protect us from a ''deadly'' coronavirus ''pandemic'',' she added.
COVID-19 has killed in excess of 270,000 people globally, and infected 3.9 million. In Australia, there are 6,900 known cases, including 97 deaths.
In relation to the Police Minister's warning about significant police presence, protesters welcomed them.
'Of course Victoria Police will be present. We call on them to stand alongside us,' one said.
Gatherings of more than two people are allowed under new national guidelines - but Victoria will not be following them straight away
The woman said any fines distributed on the day will 'not be lawful' and that guests should not consent to being told that the gathering is not essential.
'This peaceful gathering IS an essential gathering,' she said. 'Do not consent to being told it is not.'
'The Australian public is now aware and not afraid to stand up and hold the Daniel Andrews and Scott Morrison governments accountable.
'We will stand against this misinformation about an app, mandatory vaccinations, the 5G installation and and all related coronavirus deceit, and call on the government to lift the absurd shutdown and to re-open our state and country now.'
Commissioner Ashton urged protesters to have patience as lockdown restrictions could be lifted after the state of emergency ends on Monday.
'We get on top of this and we can start to enjoy more freedoms again,' he said on Friday.
'We are potentially not far off seeing some easing... so just be patient with us a bit longer.'
Under the current restrictions, Victorians are only allowed to leave home for essential reasons and can be fined $1,652 if caught breaking the law, under some of the most restrictive conditions in the nation.
But Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday announced a three-step plan to relax restrictions - but warned more outbreaks will happen as the rules are eased.
The current national baseline rules will be relaxed in three stages, with less risky activities such as sport and dining out starting before more dangerous ones such as clubbing and going to the cinema
National baseline rules will be relaxed in three stages, with less risky activities such as outdoor sport and dining out starting before more dangerous ones such as going to the gym and the cinema.
The first step will allow gatherings of ten people outside and visits of five people to another household. The second step allows gatherings of 20 and the third stage allows 100 people to come together.
But the new 'roadmap' - which will be reviewed every three weeks - will only guide state and territory leaders, who will then decide when to implement each stage in their own jurisdictions.
The second stage will allow gatherings of up to 20 people. Gyms, cinemas, and beauty therapies can restart as well as community sport and some inter-state travel.
Working from home will still be encouraged where possible under steps one and two.
Step three involves opening up most of the economy with gatherings of up to 100 people and pubs and clubs back open.
'Pubs and clubs with some restrictions will be open. And also possibly gaming venues,' Mr Morrison said.
The new 'roadmap' - which will be reviewed every three weeks - will only guide state and territory leaders, who will then decide when to implement each stage in their own jurisdictions
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