Angry COVID-19 protesters hurl abuse at WA Premier

Flanked by police, Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan had to be led to safety after he was subjected to a barrage of personal insults while leaving a town hall meeting yesterday.

COVID-19 protesters demonstrating against the vaccine surrounded the premier at an engagement in Eaton, south of Perth, hurling abuse and chants of "dog" at Mr McGowan.

The premier said the protesters, who claimed they were not anti-vaxxers but pro-choice, will only strengthen his resolve.

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Dozens of protesters waving the Australian red ensign - a red version of the Australian flag adopted by anti-government groups - could be seen on video rushing towards a convoy of government cars.

Yesterday's demonstrations are the latest in a spate of protests and threats targeting the premier, whose office has confirmed no one was harmed in yesterday's encounter.

Protesters have reportedly issued death and rape threats to Mr McGowan's staff members.

Mr McGowan last week said the "extremist" behaviour was "verging on urban terrorism".

Queensland Health Minister Yvette D'Ath has also revealed she has received death threats over her government's COVID-19 position.

Speaking at a school in Morayfield, north of Brisbane, over the weekend, Ms D'Ath was watched over by security.

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Ms D'Ath said she was taking the threats seriously but it would not deter her.

"Nothing is going to stop me doing my job," she said.

Police Minister Mark Ryan, who was also at the press briefing, said there had been an "escalation in the intensity" of the threats.

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