Prime Minister Scott Morrison appears to view the very real danger that Australia is heading towards political violence from extremist mobs as all just part of the game to keep him in power

IMAGES: ABC NEWS & Herald Sun

The Monthly, 18 November 2021:

 Scott Morrison is, if nothing else, painfully predictable. As many (including myself) anticipated on Tuesday, the prime minister’s belated condemnation of the threatening mob outside the Victorian Parliament was always going to come with a “but” – a dog whistle to the protesters, an endorsement of their cause, a swipe at overbearing state governments. Today, following the disturbing news that a right-wing extremist had been charged over threats to kill the Victorian premier, and reports that neo-Nazis, seeking to radicalise other protesters, had infiltrated rallies against the state’s pandemic bill (not to mention anti-vaxxers’ rape and death threats forcing the shutdown of the WA premier’s office), Morrison did exactly as expected.

Asked this morning for his response to the violence being incited against politicians, the PM said that threats and intimidation had no place in Australia. But after a few cursory sentences about “civil society” and “respect” (just enough for many media outlets to report it as a rebuke), Morrison pivoted to justification and understanding. “There are many people who are feeling frustrated,” he said, arguing that it was time for governments to stop “telling Australians what to do”. “Australians have done an amazing job when it comes to leading us through this pandemic, but now it’s time for governments to step back. And for Australians to take their lives back,” he added ominously.

Morrison’s sympathy for the “frustrated” protesters has more than a minor whiff of Donald Trump’s “very fine people” comments after the deadly Charlottesville riots, not to mention the “I know how you feel” video during the also-deadly January 6 Capitol insurrection. While some media outlets declared that Morrison had “hit out” at the protesters, there’s little doubt that, as with Trump’s comments, the dog whistle was louder than the denunciation.

Eighty per cent of the PM’s answer, in fact, was focused on the protestors’ justified frustrations and state government overreach, with an added pushback against mandates and restrictions for the unvaccinated (policies to which, as Niki Savva notes, he owes the impressive vaccination rates he loves to crow about). People should be able to get a coffee in Brisbane, added Morrison, regardless of whether they’re vaccinated – a swipe at the Queensland government’s newly announced restrictions. (The state government has since labelled Morrison’s comments a “reckless” undermining of its vaccination efforts.) There’s little doubt that Morrison is trying to appease some of his own senators, who are still vowing to withhold their votes unless he pushes back against mandates. But he’s also indulging the “frustrated” protesters, with little concern for the dangerous levels of misinformation flying about......

Guy knows that the Victorian government needs some sort of bill to be able to manage the pandemic – which is very much ongoing – beyond December, and as supporting crossbencher MP Fiona Patten noted on RN Breakfast, the alternative (state of emergency legislation) “is far more draconian than the legislation we were trying to put through”. But once again, the facts don’t really matter to the PM – all that matters is that the very “frustrated” people know he’s in their corner, even if it means encouraging extremists and continuing to confuse those they are seeking to influence.

This is all getting very real and very dangerous, and many fear that we are on a dark path to the kinds of political violence increasingly being seen in the US and the UK. But to Scott Morrison, it is just another game.

Read the full article here.

IMAGE: news.com.au

 

You obviously support this, otherwise you'd be calling on the police to arrest her. pic.twitter.com/oJYOTw1kBy

— Guildford (yes him) 😕🙁😐 (@Guildford) November 16, 2021

Not just Vic Premier being threatened - seems members of his government are possibly being targeted too pic.twitter.com/PJbet14Q9e

— no_filter_Yamba (@no_filter_Yamba) November 17, 2021

 

7 News, 17 November 2021:

WA Premier Mark McGowan’s electoral office has been closed due to ongoing security risks.

In a doorstop interview on Wednesday, McGowan revealed that his Rockingham office had been the target of death threats and bomb threats ever since the state government announced mandatory vaccination for much of the state’s workforce.

A week after an armoured tank rolled up outside his electoral office, McGowan has confirmed that his staffers had even been subjected to rape threats.

#COVIDIOTS gathering a bit of a fizzer on NSW North Coast last weekend

 EchoNetDaily, 18 September 2021:

Police arrested 11 protesters in Byron Bay. Photo Jeff Dawson.

Police say they have prevented the mass gathering of people in various locations across NSW, arresting 32 people and issuing 265 Penalty Infringement Notices in a coordinated and mobile response to planned protest activity.

Earlier today (Saturday 18 September), a high-visibility policing operation was launched across Sydney and parts of regional NSW, to prevent, disrupt and respond to any mass gathering or protest activity.

Police say that more than 1,700 police were involved in the operation across the state – including general duties officers from the Central Metropolitan Region, assisted by specialist police from the Public Order and Riot Squad, Operations Support Group, Police Transport Command, PolAir, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and the Dog and Mounted Unit.

Of the 1,700 police, approximately 1,500 resources were deployed across the Sydney area.

A further were 200 on the ground at regional locations including Tweed Heads, Byron Bay, Central Coast, Wollongong and on the South Coast.

During the state-wide operation, 20 people were arrested in Greater Sydney and 236 PINs were issued, 11 people were arrested and 28 PINs were issued in Byron Bay, and one person was arrested and subsequently issued with a PIN in Tweed Heads. 

NSW Police, News, 18 September 2021: 

Assistant Commissioner Peter Thurtell, Operation Commander was pleased to see the police strategy successful in disrupting protest activity. 

“We take the health and safety of the community extremely seriously and we are glad our policing response, supported by road and transport strategies, effectively reduced the movement crowds and potential for disruptive protest activity,” said Assistant Commissioner Thurtell.....

“Most importantly, I want to thank the community who did the right thing and stayed home today. Also, I acknowledge the 1700 police officers who were deployed across the state for their professional response during today’s activities,” added Assistant Commissioner Thurtell. 

Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any public health order or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community by contacting Crime Stoppers: on 1800 333 000 or via https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

Pigeons coming home to roost for protesting Covidiots at NSW-Qld border

 

 

Michael Corrigan, 52 year-old film stuntman from Murwillumbah NSW was reportedly arrested after participating in two separate anti-lockdown protests on the NSW-Qld border.

Echo NetDaily, 2 September 2021:

Police have arrested another man following an investigation into unauthorised protest activity across NSW earlier this week. 

Acting on information and intelligence, the NSW Police Force deployed more than 900 officers on Tuesday 31 August 2021, to conduct high-visibility patrols of various sites expected to be targeted by unauthorised protests, including NSW Parliament House and local council chambers. 

General Duties officers from across NSW were supported by the Public Order and Riot Squad, Operations Support Group, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Police Transport Command, the Dog and Mounted Unit, and other specialist units. 

Following investigations, a 52-year-old man attended Murwillumbah Police Station about 4.30pm yesterday (Wednesday, 1 September, 2021), where he was arrested and taken to Tweed Heads Police Station. 

The man was charged with unlawfully participate in outdoor gathering/stay at home area. He was given conditional bail to appear at Murwillumbah Local Court on 22 September 2021.....

NSW Police, News, 2 September 2021, excerpts:

During the operation, protestors crossed the border between Queensland at Coolangatta and NSW at Tweed Heads.

As part of ongoing investigations, police have today released images of five people who may be able to assist with inquiries.

The first man depicted is described as wearing a black t-shirt and cream cargo pants, with a GoPro strapped to his chest.

A second man depicted is described as wearing a faded grey t-shirt, orange pants and a blue and yellow face mask, holding a mobile phone.

A third man depicted is described as wearing a white t-shirt and a black cap.

A female depicted is described as wearing a black blouse and carrying a black handbag.

A fourth man depicted is described as wearing a black singlet and a black floppy hat, with a sleeve tattoo on his left arm.

Anyone with information about the identity of the five people – or has mobile phone footage of the protest activity – is urged to contact Crime Stoppers through the online portal or by contacting 1800 333 000.

Images released by NSW Police and published by ABC News, 2 Sept 2021

The last day of August 2021 - with over 22,000 confirmed cases in the NSW Delta Variant Outbreak to date & 100 dead - the anti-public health order folk gathered in potentially infectious groups the length & breadth of the state

ABC North Coast, 31 August 2021:

Police have responded to 79 protests across New South Wales today, more than a third of which were held in the state's north as part of coordinated demonstrations against lockdown measures.

"We really need to end lockdown, so anything that is putting that at risk is really not welcome," he said.

Demonstrations were held in Ballina, Grafton, Lismore, Port Macquarie, Nowra, Wagga Wagga, Orange, Mudgee and Sydney.

A police spokesperson said information was being collated, but so far more than 150 people had been arrested and more than 570 penalty infringement notices issued for health order breaches.

Hundreds of people have defied public health orders to attend a protest outside the Byron Shire Council Chambers. (ABC North Coast: Leah White)

Read the full article here.

NSW Police responded to 79 unauthorised protests across all 6 NSW Police Districts (PD).

 North East NSW was not immune to the anti-vax, anti public health order, pro-'freedoms' crowd and this was the result:

Tweed Heads PD (Tweed Shire Council-Murwillumbah, Byron Bay Shire Council-Mullumbimby, MP Office-Tweed Heads, Sleepy Hollow Vehicle Rest Area): 3 arrested and 25 PINs issued

Richmond PD (Lismore Council, Kyogle Council, Ballina Council, MP Office-Ballina): 11 arrested and 24 PINs issued

Coffs-Clarence PD (Coffs Harbour City Council, Clarence Valley Council-Grafton, Bellingen Shire Council, Clarence Valley Council-MacLean): 19 arrested and 19 PINs issued. [my yellow highlighting]

NSW Police inquiries into incidents at the 79 unauthorised protests are continuing and further PINs are expected to be issued, including for failing to comply with self-isolation direction ($5000).

Finally, NSW Government gets serious about stopping anti-public health order protestors gathering for marches

 

Byron Echo, 20 August 2021:

In response to questions about a protest being arranged at the Jack Evans Boat Harbour over the policy for a vaccination being required for crossing the border into Queensland, police media said officers from Tweed/Byron Police District will continue conducting a high-visibility policing operation to ensure compliance of the Public Health Order.....

Hundreds of protesters descended on the [Sydney] CBD despite the police presence and warnings to stay away. (ABC News: Josh Bavas)

Multiple people being arrested. pic.twitter.com/0tpOPW4O5U

— Josh Bavas (@JoshBavas) August 21, 2021

NSW Police, News, 21 August 2021:

Police have arrested 47 people and issued more than 260 Penalty Infringement Notices in a swift and coordinated response to disrupt protest activity in the Sydney CBD and across regional NSW.

Earlier today (Saturday 21 August 2021), a high-visibility policing operation was launched across Sydney and regional NSW, to prevent, disrupt and respond to any planned mass gathering or protest activity.

More than 1500 police, including general duties officers from across the Central Metropolitan Region, assisted by specialist police from the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), Operations Support Group (OSG), Police Transport Command, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and the Dog and Mounted Unit, were involved in the operation.

Additionally, police issued a prohibition notice to taxi, rideshare and passenger services from conveying passengers to the Sydney CBD, to restrict the movement of potential protesters.

During the state-wide operation, 47 people were arrested and are currently in the process of being charged.

Of note, a 32-year-old Five Dock man was arrested after allegedly assaulting a police officer at Mountain Street, Ultimo, about 12.30pm today. He was taken to Surry Hills Police Station, where charges are expected to be laid. The male constable was taken to hospital for treatment after sustaining injuries to his neck and head.

In addition, police issued 261 Penalty Infringement Notices for breaches of the public health orders.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said he was disappointed that some people still ignored all warnings to stay at home and keep their loved ones safe.

“We saw the community backlash after the last protest and that was a genuine reflection of how they saw the actions of a small minority,” Mr Elliott said.

“That small minority has again chosen to blatantly ignore the very clear, repeated warnings of NSW Police, which is disappointing, frustrating and – frankly – disgraceful.

“The actions they have taken are likely to prolong the very lockdown they were protesting about…….

ABC News, 21 August 2021:

After the arrests, users inside encrypted messaging apps where the protests were being organised in real-time began to panic.

"Where are our leaders?!" one Sydney user wrote into the group.

"Where the f*** are people who promised to lead it?"

One member of the channel said they were forced to turn around after running into the police blockade another called the event an "epic fail".

The Sydney protest lost momentum after one of its key organisers, Anthony Khallouf, was jailed yesterday for breaching public health orders…..

Weekend Australian, 21 August 2021;

An anti-lockdown activist who drove from Queensland to Sydney to help organise an unauthorised protest scheduled for Saturday has been sentenced to eight months’ jail for multiple breaches of public health orders and other offences.

Anthony Khallouf, one of the organisers behind last month’s violent anti-lockdown rally, was arrested on Thursday after The Australian revealed he had travelled to Sydney and checked into a luxury hotel.

Hornsby Local Court heard on Friday that Khallouf travelled extensively throughout Sydney after arriving on Sunday, including visiting a relative in the Covid-ravaged west of the city, before being tracked down at a train station in Sydney’s north.

The 29-year-old was also convicted of “false representation resulting in police investigation” after telling followers on Instagram on Wednesday to call police because his life was in danger....

9News, 21 August 2021:

Mr Elliott [NSW Police Minister] said 38,000 cars were stopped from entering Sydney's CBD at various access points and roughly 130 tickets were issued to drivers.

"These orders are not a restriction on freedom of speech, they are a temporary restriction on freedom of movement.

"Please be aware there will again be plenty of police ready to deploy in response to any protest 2.0 planned for tomorrow and if people try to protest next weekend, we will do it all over again.

SBS News, 21 August 2021:

NSW is readying for a raft of new COVID-19 rules to become mandatory on Monday as the premier pleads with Sydney residents to "bunker down" for at least another six weeks.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Friday announced stay-at-home orders will now apply in Sydney until at least September 30 while a dozen hotspot local government areas will face harsher rules, including a curfew from 9pm to 5am.

"It is time for all of us to bunker down and take this as seriously as we can," the premier said on Friday…..