'Follow the rules and be vigilant': Daniel Andrews urges Victorians not to attend anti-Australia Day rallies – as thousands vow to take to the streets on January 26
Daniel Andrews has urged Victorians not to take part in an anti-Australia Day protest taking place next Tuesday.
An 'Invasion Day' rally has been planned for the steps of Parliament House in Melbourne on January 26.
The Victorian Premier warned the public not to throw away the state's hard work in beating the second wave of Covid.
'We've built something precious and unique ... Victorians have through their sacrifice and their commitment and their compassion for each other,' he told reporters on Thursday.
The Victorian Premier warned the public not to throw away the state's hard work in beating the second wave of Covid
An 'Invasion Day' demonstration has been planned for the steps of Parliament House in Melbourne on January 26. Pictured: Protesters are seen during the rally in Brisbane in 2020
Nearly 5000 people are set to turn out to the rally, which organisers are spruiking as a Covid-safe event. Protesters are seen during the Invasion Day rally in Melbourne on January 26, 2020
'We have to safeguard that. And the best way to do that is to follow the rules and to be absolutely vigilant. That's the most important thing.'
Nearly 5,000 people are set to turn out to the rally, which organisers are spruiking as a Covid-safe event.
'We invite you to stand with us to abolish Australia Day. Today is a day of mourning for our people and marks a day of resistance against the British invasion,' rally organisers posted online.
It comes after the Morrison government slammed a proposal to hold a minute's silence on Australia Day.
Independent MP Zali Steggall wanted the silence to recognise the suffering of Aboriginal communities during and after colonisation.
But new citizenship minister Alex Hawke said the idea will only increase divisions.
'It is disappointing to see an ill-considered proposal from the Member for Warringah that plays negative politics with our history and which can only perpetuate divisions between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians,' he said in a statement.
'The truth is Australia Day unifies us all, because of our shared history – the good and the bad.
'Regardless of the failings in our history, Australia has become one of the most free, egalitarian, safe and diverse societies today, and our shared commitment to continuing this journey together is what matters most.'
Pictured: Protestors are seen crossing the Victoria Bridge during the Invasion Day rally in Brisbane in 2020
Federal member for Warringah and Winter Olympian Zali Steggall has written to mayors in her Sydney electorate asking for a minute's silence
Ms Steggall - who was an Olympic skiier before turning to politics - wrote to mayors in her Sydney electorate asking they observe a minute's silence on January 26.
The day celebrates the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet of British ships into Port Jackson in 1788.
'January 26 provokes a range of emotions for many within our community,' Ms Steggall said.
'While it marks the commencement of European colonisation of this land, it also represents the commencement of violence, disempowerment and displacement of our Indigenous communities that has created sorrow, discrimination and hardship that has lasted for generations.'
She said the gesture would be a powerful step towards healing.