Protest against compulsory vaccinations in Perth reprimanded by the president of the Australian Medical Association WA
The president of the Australian Medical Association in WA denounced a group of hundreds of people opposed to mandatory COVID-19 vaccines who gathered today in the CBD of Perth.
Key points:
- AMA WA President Says People Must Seize Chance To Get Vaccinated While WA Is COVID Free
- Police had to close several streets as the protest made its way through Perth’s CBD
- Over 56% of Western Australians over 16 are fully vaccinated
Police were forced to temporarily close a number of roads shortly after noon as the rally passed through town, but largely kept their distance.
At times the group chanted “my body, my choice” and “liberty, liberty”, in opposition to requiring people to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to work in certain jobs in Western Australia.
One section also shouted “proud boys” on several occasions, referring to the far-right extremist group made up only of men.
The crowd booed WA Premier Mark McGowan and the media.
AMA WA President Dr Mark Duncan-Smith said there was no argument that everyone should get the shot.
“In all parts of society there are going to be different opinions, and unfortunately some people are pro-disease,†he said.
“Others are more rational.
“The vaccine is safe, it is effective, it is our only way out of this pandemic.”
He said people must seize the chance to get vaccinated now as WA is free from the community spread of COVID.
“We have to accept that COVID is coming,†he said.
“When COVID gets here, now is not the time to get the vaccine. Now is the time to get the vaccine.”
Over 56% of Western Australians over 16 are fully vaccinated.
The group started at Forrest Place, before heading towards Elizabeth Quay.
A number of people wearing high-visibility clothing appeared to oppose the recently announced requirement for resource workers to have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine by early December.
One had the words “let our miners choose” written on the back, another said “no jab = no work = no choice”.
At the time the policy was announced, Minerals and Energy Chamber CEO Paul Everingham said workers were free not to be vaccinated.
“But with freedom comes personal responsibility, and with freedom does not come the right to impose one’s illness on others,†he said.
“I wouldn’t say there is an obligation for anyone to provide a job for someone who chooses not to be vaccinated.”
Many people working in a number of industries in WA, including healthcare and elderly care, currently require immunization.
The media continued to be the target of the rally, with banners reading “mainstream disinformation” and “media is the virus”.
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