More than 150 arrested, almost 600 COVID-19 fines issued after wave of anti-lockdown protests
Several police officers have suffered "minor' injuries after almost 70 separate coronavirus lockdown protests were held across NSW, with more rallies in Victoria and Queensland.
More than 150 people have been arrested and almost 600 fines were issued after the protests at public buildings, NSW Police said.
"It's very disappointing that people would think this was appropriate behaviour in the current circumstances," NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon said.
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A protester is arrested and detained outside NSW Parliament. Getty
"We are very comfortable with free speech... but when that's with contravention to the public health order, police will not tolerate it.
"The public health order is in place for the safety of all."
Deputy Commissioner Lanyon said the events were organised online.
He said an expected truck blockade in the state, however, didn't happen.
Police speak to gathered protesters outside NSW Parliament. Other demonstations took place outside council chambers. Getty
While there were just a handful of people at some locations, one of the biggest crowds turned up at Fairfield Council, which is one of Sydney's hotspots in the city's west.
More crowds of protesters gathered at Lismore and Ballina Council buildings in northern NSW, as well as at Port Macquarie near Newcastle.
Police responded to 79 unauthorised protests, during which three officers received minor injuries following interactions with protestors at Lismore, Murwillumbah and Raymond Terrace.
In total, 153 people were arrested, many of whom were released after officers were able to establish their identity to issue a PIN.
Police stations and other government buildings were also a target for protesters, who were met by a large police presence.
A woman is arrested outside the NSW Parliament in Sydney. Getty
Meanwhile, Queensland parliament was put into lockdown after protests outside.
Hundreds also gathered at the City of Gold Coast Chambers and stood with their backs to the door.
In Melbourne, protesters gathered near the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Police swarmed the area, with a number of officers also patrolling the scene on horseback.
It's understood one man was arrested.
Protests at Sydney's Fairfield Council. Nine
The protests come a few weeks after a rally attended by thousands in Melbourne turned violent.
More than 200 people were arrested and numerous police officers were hurt.
Thousands also turned up at a similar event in Sydney, where almost 50 arrests were made despite NSW Police warning against it.
In July, large protests were also held in both cities.
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