National
Protesters force Victorian Premier to abandon press conference
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has been forced to abandon a press conference in regional Victoria after unruly protesters gatecrashed the opening of a TAFE.
Mr Andrews was ambushed as he went to unveil a new TAFE in Bendigo today, with his announcement drowned out by calls to “kill the bill”, referring to new pandemic laws introduced by the state government.
The incident is the latest escalation in tensions around the pandemic bill that have resulted in high-profile public servants also being attacked.
READ MORE: Victoria’s CHO Brett Sutton, COVID-19 Commander Jeroen Weimar verbally abused by protesters
Mr Andrews cut the announcement short, telling the crowd, “to perhaps give you a quieter time, I’m going to go now”.
People could be heard loudly yelling abuse and “sack Dan Andrews”, as he was ushered from the event into a car.
9News understands Mr Andrews left the location upon the advice of Victoria Police.
Fury around the pandemic laws was targeted at Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton and COVID-19 Commander Jeroen Weimar on Monday.
They needed a police escort to safely leave parliament as they were heckled by protesters.
Around 200 protesters gathered on the steps to Victorian Parliament last night to rally against the pandemic laws.
