As parts of Australia begin to reopen back up from COVID-19 lockdown measures, pockets of resentment against the public health orders remain.
These sentiments have been fuelled by an eclectic mix of anti-vaccine messaging, right-wing extremism, wild conspiracy theories, racism, cynical political opportunism and a real concern about civl liberties, growing authoritarianism and an inequitable socio-economic system.
The resulting fear and anxiety has seen sporadic street protests across the country - including in Sydney, and currently in Melbourne, where some construction workers, right-wing activists and anti-vaxers have been engaged in violent clashes with police.
There has also been some smaller expressions of resistance, such as graffiti, against what some people see as mandatory vaccination.
Some right-wing and ‘libertarian’ political parties are tapping into this angst, as the next election is expected early next year.
With over 70% of people so far vaccinated with at least one shot in Australia, the anti-vax and anti-COVID movements could be described as a minority and fringe, but significant and determined.
Part of an ongoing series, ‘COVID-19 Diaries’.
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