ANTI-vaccination protesters have abused and hassled police for two days outside the Somerville office of Health Minister and Flinders MP Greg Hunt.
Their action came just days after the first vaccinations against coronavirus being administered across Australia. The number of Victorians vaccinated by Sunday was nearing 4000.
While urging people to get vaccinated, Mr Hunt has said getting the jab will not be compulsory.
On both Friday and Saturday (26 and 27 February) police outnumbered the protesters outside his office by almost two to one. No one was inside as staff had been told to work from home.
Police said they were aware of “planned protest activity” in the Somerville area over the two days.
“Everyone has a right to protest peacefully and lawfully as long as it does not impact the rest of the community, who also have the right to go about their daily business,” police media said.
“Anyone coming into the area looking to disrupt others, create conflict and incite violence can expect a firm response from police.”
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 2 March 2021
