Scott Morrison slams 'appalling' Sydney Black Lives Matter protest

Prime Minister Scott Morrison wants a Black Lives Matter rally in Sydney cancelled because it is against public health orders.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison

Prime Minister Scott Morrison Source: AAP

Scott Morrison has launched an attack on "appalling" anti-racism protesters over plans to break the rules on mass gatherings in Sydney.

A Black Lives Matter demonstration is planned for next Tuesday despite coronavirus heath orders banning large groups of people.

"That's appalling," the prime minister told 2GB radio on Wednesday.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has urged the public not to join the rally and flagged an attempt to block it in the Supreme Court.

Mr Morrison said people should listen to police and state government advice warning against the event over concerns it could spark a coronavirus outbreak.

"There's no special rule for people to not obey the law. What gives people a ticket to not obey the law?"
Protesters participate in a Black Lives Matter rally in Brisbane, 6 June 2020.
Protesters participate in a Black Lives Matter rally in Brisbane, 6 June 2020. Source: AAP
More than 4000 people have registered their interest in attending the rally, which aims to highlight the issue of indigenous deaths in custody.

Organisers insist all attendees will be encouraged to exercise physical distancing, wear masks and use hand sanitiser.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.

If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.

News and information is available in 63 languages at sbs.com.au/coronavirus


Share
2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP, SBS


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world