Hundreds of protesters have gathered outside Australian Parliament House as part of a Millions March Against Mandatory Vaccination rally.
The rally was inspired by similar protests overseas, particularly in Canada where truck drivers and supporters rallied against vaccine mandates and called for the repeal of all public health measures.
Police have urged motorists to avoid roads around Parliament House and bus services have been suspended around the building.
The Canberra Times understands that protesters plan to stay in the capital until after the first sitting of Parliament for the year on February 14. The march is also known as 2022 Official Convoy to Canberra Terra Australis.
Truck drivers, motorists and other supporters have gathered from around the country.
Protesters were seen waving the red ensign flag, flags in support of Donald Trump, the Canadian flag and the Knights Templar flag.
Australian red ensign flags - which is the same as the Australian flag but for the colour - has been co-opted by self-described 'sovereign citizens'. They are a group of people who believe laws do not apply to them.
MMAMV now has a huge banner, marquees and a PA set up on the lawn. Very organised.https://t.co/gj4MtDJ20h
— celerysorbet (@CelerySorbet) January 30, 2022
People also held signs, saying this such as "End The Mandates" and "No Jabs 4 Jobs". Another said, "if liars' pants really did catch fire, watching the news would be a lot more entertaining".
Speeches made at the event expressed anti-vaccine sentiments, with several making claims that have been roundly rebuked by medical experts.
Outspoken leader of the so-called "freedom movement" Romeo Georges spoke out against mandatory child COVID-19 vaccinations and pandemic public health orders.
"[The government] gave you money, they told you 'we love you, we care about you' and then they come for your kid.
#ConvoyToCanberra being shut down by police 🙄 so much for free speech at the front of Parliament House! Every other protest is allowed to go ahead, except when it goes against the government agenda. https://t.co/gXC5oQ0N7J
— allaussievoices (@allaussievoices) January 30, 2022
"If you want to take [COVID in] your immune system, it's your right to do that," he said.
A Transport Workers' Union spokesperson said the union did not condone the protest and was not involved.
ACT Policing has urged motorists to avoid the area with traffic expected to be heavily impacted.
Due to a protest at Parliament House, bus routes 57 and 58 are being diverted via State Circle and Kings Avenue in both directions.
— Transport Canberra (@Transport_CBR) January 30, 2022
We apologies for any inconvenience.
Further updates to come. pic.twitter.com/pX0qh7U2g5
"We are expecting protest activity including vehicles to enter Canberra by the Federal, Barton and Monaro highways," a spokesperson said.
A GoFundMe page set up by the group has raised more than $150,000 with about 2400 donations from across the globe.
The page states "we're going to need a team of people on the same side of truth".
I can see clearly now (the rain has gone) blaring through the speakers at the “Millions” March Against Mandatory Vaccination rally outside Parliament House pic.twitter.com/cegrbsPFwy
— Dan Jervis-Bardy (@D_JervisBardy) January 30, 2022
According to the website, the fundraiser was organised by an Ironbark Thunderbolt on behalf of James Greer.
Photographs have been posted on social media of protesters at the rally who are part of the Sovereign Citizen group. The group was allegedly responsible for the damaging fire lit at Old Parliament House on December 30.
More to come.
Canberra here we come 🚛🚚🚍🛻🚜🇦🇺#ConvoyForFreedom2022#ConvoyToCanberra
— Craig Kelly MP (@CraigKellyMP) January 30, 2022
We’ve had enough of our Human Rights being abused
We’ve had enough of our Freedoms being taken away
We’ve had enough of the Police State
We’ve had enough of the🤡🤡 running the place
FREEDOM NOW pic.twitter.com/vtUFuByoIn
READ ALSO:
