As the March Against Mandatory Vaccination kicked off in Canberra, a similar protest was happening in Canada.
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An estimated 10,000 Canadian truckers from around the country arrived in the capital of Ottawa on Friday, January 28 and protested vaccine requirements over the weekend and into Monday.
They were protesting a vaccine mandate for truckers crossing the US-Canada border, which was introduced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government earlier in January.
The mandate requires unvaccinated Canadian truckers returning from the US to quarantine once they re-enter Canada.
Businesses were closed downtown and traffic in and out of the city was at a stand-still on Friday as hundreds of trailer trucks and protesters flooded the area.
While the protests were peaceful as of late Saturday, authorities worried that far-right and fringe groups might infiltrate and turn the demonstration violent.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, his wife and three children were moved from their residence at Rideau cottage as a security precaution.
Trucks continued to block the city's streets and blare their horns on Monday, January 31.
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Meanwhile in Australia...
The Canadian truck driver protest inspired a similar demonstration in Australia, which saw a convoy of trucks head to Parliament House in Canberra on Monday, January 31.
More than 800 anti-vaccination protesters from across the country gathered for the Millions March Against Mandatory Vaccination rally.
Protesters were seen waving the red ensign flag, pro-Donald Trump flags, the Canadian flag and the Knights Templar flag.
Australian red ensign flags - which is the same as the Australian flag but for the colour - has been co-opted by self-described "sovereign citizens". They are a group of people who believe laws do not apply to them.
People also held signs, with words such as "End The Mandates" and "No Jabs 4 Jobs". Another said, "if liars' pants really did catch fire, watching the news would be a lot more entertaining".
The chaos continued on Tuesday as hundreds gathered outside of the National Press Club, where Prime Minister Scott Morrison made a speech.
The crowd lathered into a frenzy as Mr Morrison and MPs left the Press Club. Barnaby Joyce inexplicably exited his vehicle and walked through the protesters. A member of the crowd shouted "you are killing the children" to Mr Joyce as others booed.
Some within the group have said the protests will continue in Canberra until at least the first sitting week of Parliament, when it returns on February 8.
A Transport Workers' Union spokesperson said the union did not condone the protest and was not involved.
Shivé Prema
I am a video journalist and host of the Newcastle Herald TikTok account! I spend most of my days filming and editing videos but also like to write articles as well. I'm new to Newcastle, so I like to spend my spare time exploring this city and its many beaches.
I am a video journalist and host of the Newcastle Herald TikTok account! I spend most of my days filming and editing videos but also like to write articles as well. I'm new to Newcastle, so I like to spend my spare time exploring this city and its many beaches.
Hannah Neale
Hannah is a reporter with The Canberra Times. She is currently covering ACT courts. Hannah started as a journalist with The Southern Highland News and The Goulburn Post before moving to the ACT.
Hannah is a reporter with The Canberra Times. She is currently covering ACT courts. Hannah started as a journalist with The Southern Highland News and The Goulburn Post before moving to the ACT.
