Outrage over ‘disgraceful’ protests at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance

Outrage has erupted after more than 400 protesters hijacked Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance in a demonstration condemned as “disgraceful” by leaders and defence veterans.

Melbourne remains a city on the edge this morning with protesters planning to take to the streets for a fourth day.

Freedom protesters yesterday took their day three fight to scrap mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for the construction industry to the war memorial yesterday afternoon, chanting “sacred ground” and “lest we forget”.

Shrine of Remembrance CEO Dean Lee told Today the disgraceful behaviour was difficult to watch, admitting he got “a bit emotional”.

READ MORE: Victoria Police granted ‘no fly zone’ over Melbourne’s CBD

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Dean Lee says he’s deeply attached to the Shrine as his father, great grandfather and brother-in-law have served in the Defence Force.

“To have the Shrine desecrated and disrespected in that way was very, very troubling,” he said.

“My primary concern was would there be any damage to this memorial which has stood here for 86 years as a representation of the generations of service and sacrifice of Australian men and women.”

Police gave protesters an hour to leave peacefully, but after they refused to move the riot squad swooped in, firing rubber bullets and dispensing tear gas to disperse the crowd.

READ MORE: Third day of Melbourne protests – as it happened

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Protesters are seen at the Shrine of Remembrance on September 22, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

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Protests started on Monday over new COVID-19 vaccine requirements for construction workers but turned into larger and at times violent demonstrations against lockdown restrictions in general. Melbourne is currently subject to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, with people only permitted to leave home for essential reasons. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Two police officers were injured as protesters threw projectiles, including golf balls, bottles and batteries at members.

Victoria Police arrested 215 protesters yesterday and they will be all hit with $5500 fines for breaching the Chief Health Officer’s health orders.

Mr Lee said he was “appalled” the protesters desecrated such a meaningful and important state monument that paid tribute to war veterans and heroes.

READ MORE: Police slam ‘cowards’ involved in Melbourne protest

“I saw it as entirely selfish and disrespectful to the honoured memory of what our Australian men and women have done in the Defence Force,” he said.

“I understand the community is troubled and that we’re all facing challenges, but this is not the place you come to pursue or express your discontent.”

Speaking from Washington DC, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said anyone who protested at the Shrine should be “ashamed” of themselves.

“I think that the scenes were disgraceful and the conduct was disgraceful,” he said.

“This is a sacred place. It is not a place of protest.

“It was disrespectful and it dishonoured those Australians who have made that sacrifice and I would hope any and all who were in that should be ashamed.”

Senator Jacqui Lambie also blasted the protesters for disrespecting the memorial.

“Blood, sweat and tears is the reason that you have your freedoms because all those people fought for this country,” she said.

“To have that and to stand up there and say, “lest we forget,” I’m telling you, we’re not forgetting your performance.”