Wagga police officers have arrested two people at a planned anti-lockdown protest, one of 79 that took place across the state.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Acting on information and intelligence, the NSW Police Force deployed officers on Tuesday to conduct high-visibility patrols at various sites expected to be targeted by unauthorised protests, including local council chambers.
Several people gathered outside the Wagga City Council chambers to protest the lockdowns on Tuesday morning, where officers arrested two people, and issued four fines.
At the Griffith City Council chambers about 15 people dispersed on police arrival, and at Snowy Valleys Council chambers at Tumut about 18 people left when officers arrived.
Riverina Police District Superintendent Bob Noble said there had been large-scale protests in the country's capital cities that have been violent and destructive, adding they are potentially a "super-spreading event".
He said while he understands people might have different points of view about some of the current events, these are "extraordinary circumstances".
"No one is saying people aren't entitled to a view. They should have a view on all these things; they are very important things," Superintendent Noble said.
"They should have an ability to express them but not when they pose a danger to other persons, interfering with others going about their duty and potentially injuring people or causing other harms.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"These health orders are laws ... the more people breach them, the longer it is going to be necessary."
Superintendent Noble said those who breach the laws by gathering in numbers would most likely be arrested, or at the least fined.
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the protests across the state were predominately located at local council chambers.
"Police have made 135 arrests and at least 430 infringements have been or will be issued," he said.
"We have made it very clear throughout the previous weeks that police are not opposed to free speech.
"We are opposed to any activity that breaches the public health order and puts the vast majority of the community in danger."
Deputy Commissioner Lanyon said the actions of protestors only jeopardise the freedom of those doing the right thing, adding that some officers had received minor injuries.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark dailyadvertiser.com.au
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters