Queensland MPs have recently seen an influx of threatening correspondence in light of the state’s looming vaccine mandate. Over 70 per cent of Queenslanders are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
As the state of Queensland inches closer to its stage 3 COVID-19 restrictions commencing on December 17, MPs are facing more criticism and rising threats of violence. The incoming changes will ease restrictions for businesses but will significantly limit the movements of unvaccinated people.
Per the state government’s website, unvaccinated people in the state of Queensland will be unable to attend a plethora of venues and locations, including (but not limited to):
- Hospitality venues (including hotels, nightclubs, restaurants, and cafes)
- Indoor entertainment venues (including nightclubs, karaoke bars, theatres, and cinemas)
- Outdoor entertainment venues (including stadiums and theme parks),
While weddings and funerals will not be limited to vaccinated people, the presence of one or more unvaccinated persons will result in a restriction on attendance.
The stage 3 restrictions are only weeks away from coming into effect, with many across the country expressing dissent through protests and demonstrations.
During a press conference over the weekend, state Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said she, among other MPs, had received threatening emails in response to the looming mandate. Ms D’ath said she did not feel unsafe.
“We’ve an amazing police service who do a terrific job in this state, and also nothing’s going to stop me doing my job,” said the health minister.
“I consider it a privilege and an honour to do my job and I’m just going to get on with it.”
However, the health minister has encouraged public figures and government officials to be wary of their influence.
“I do think that people need to be very clear in their language to not be inciting or encouraging this kind of behaviour,” she said.
Labor MP Brittany Lauga recently contacted police over a threatening email sent to herself and other MPs.
“I unequivocally condemn these threats of violence, terrorism and extremism. This is not peaceful protest,” the MP said.
Police Minister Mark Ryan also noted a “very small cohort of people” among protesters were “trying to hijack quite legitimate protest activity”.
“You’ve also got a responsibility to the broader community to ensure those people who are attempting to hijack your democratic process don’t use what you want to do for a lawful purpose, for something which could quite seriously escalate into something very concerning,” said Mr Ryan.
Opposition Leader David Crisafulli has also publicly condemned the threatening behaviour.
“Regardless of your politics and regardless of your views, we’re still all people and to threaten anyone is un-Australian and we’re better than that as Queenslanders,” he said.
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