Mass arrests as anti-lockdown protesters gather in Melbourne Sydney and Brisbane

There have been mass arrests of anti-lockdown protesters in Melbourne and Sydney, with protesters also gathering in Brisbane. 

Some 700 police officers have been deployed in Melbourne's CBD as anti-lockdown protesters converged outside Parliament House. 

Pepper spray was used by police officers at one point to disperse protesters. Victoria Police said a number of arrests have been made. 

Protesters remain in the city centre, protesting peacefully. 

Footage posted on social media showed people cheering and letting off flares as well as police pepper-spraying protesters.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said on Saturday morning police were fining people for being more than 5km from home even before the protest began.

He said those protesting risked being issued with a $5,500 fine.

"Please do not attend this demonstration, the risk of spread of the virus is significant," he said.

"Every protester who we can identify and who we can apprehend will receive a $5500 fine. It's just ridiculous to think that people would be so selfish and come and do this."

Victoria recorded 61 new locally acquired virus cases on Saturday, including 39 that were infectious in the community. Authorities have only been able to link 48 of the cases to known outbreaks.

Hundreds of people gathered in Brisbane City Botanic Gardens to rally against the lockdown and vaccine measures.

"Wake up sheeple," one sign read.

Protesters gather for a 'National Rally for Peace, Freedom and Human Rights' at the Botanic Gardens in Brisbane, on 21 August 2021.

AAP

In Sydney, the presence of at least 1,500 police officers prevented the large numbers planned for an anti-lockdown protest. 

Scuffles broke out as protesters were arrested at Sydney's Victoria Park, just out of the CBD in Camperdown, 

A police helicopter and mounted police were also used to prevent protesters coming together inside Victoria Park.

Video footage taken near Victoria Park shows two men being arrested.

Taxis and Ubers have been banned from taking passengers into the CBD until 3pm.

Taxi, rideshare and passenger services who fail to comply with the notice risk a maximum penalty of $500,000, while individuals face fines of up to $100,000.

It comes as Sydney recorded the country's highest-ever daily COVID-19 tally: 825 infections with at least 96 people in the community while infectious. 

More details to come. 

Share this post