Nursing and midwifery federation calls for protesters to 'stop thinking only of themselves'

Victorian nurses have issued stern words to the thousands who have protested in Melbourne's CBD, telling the protesters "to stop thinking only of themselves".

The Victorian branch of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation has released a statement on behalf of its more than 95,000 members, "especially those working to are for hundreds of ill COVID positive patients".

The statement, from Secretary Liza Fitzpatrick, calls on the protesters breaking lockdown to gather to "stop thinking only of themselves, stop the violence and put the health and welfare of the Victorian community first".

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"We are calling for common sense and voices of reason to prevail," the statement reads.

"Nurses, midwives and carers are exhausted and frustrated as they watch protesters fight for their right to overwhelm our health system.

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"Do not leave all the heavy lifting to nurses, midwives and personal care workers.

"Only respectful dialogue, not violence, can resolve the issues driving people apart."

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The statement comes after thousands of protesters took to the streets today to protest COVID-19 vaccinations being made mandatory for constructions workers, and after protests yesterday led to the Victorian construction industry being shut for two weeks.