Australia: Demonstrations against deaths in police custody planned for multiple cities on June 6

Event

Demonstrations in solidarity with protests in the US over the death in police custody of George Floyd are scheduled to be held in cities across Australia on Saturday, June 6. The gatherings have been organised by various civil society groups, including Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance (WAR), in support of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement and against the deaths of indigenous Australians in police custody. Demonstrations are currently scheduled to be held in the following cities:

• Melbourne: A large rally is scheduled to be held outside Parliament House from 14:00 (local time) until at least 17:00. Up to 18,000 people are currently expected to attend.
• Sydney: Up to 10,000 demonstrators are expected to gather at the Town Hall on Druitt Street at 15:00 before marching to Belmore Park via Bathurst Street and Castlereagh Street. A second protest may also be held outside government offices on Lee Street from 15:00.
• Brisbane: A demonstration is scheduled to be held in King George Square from 13:00, with more than 7,600 people expected to attend. A smaller rally is expected to occur at the Queen Street Mall from 12:00.
• Adelaide: Demonstrators are expected to gather in Victoria Square (Tarndanyangga) from 12:00. Around 4,000 are likely to attend.
• Canberra: Demonstrators are scheduled to gather in Garema Place from 10:30 before marching to Parliament House. A rally may also be held at the US embassy from 15:00.
• Byron Bay: A rally is scheduled to be held in the Byron Bay Recreation Grounds from 14:00.
• Newcastle: Demonstrators are expected to gather in the Civic Park from 14:00

Although the demonstrations are likely to remain peaceful, local authorities have expressed concerns that measures in place to stem the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, including restrictions on gatherings of more than 20 people, will not be adhered to. However, organizers have encouraged attendees to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, and police have stated that they will not be making arrests or dispersing crowds due to non-compliance with COVID-19 measures. 

Advice

Although the demonstrations are likely to remain peaceful, local authorities have expressed concerns that measures in place to stem the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, including restrictions on gatherings of more than 20 people, will not be adhered to. However, organizers have encouraged attendees to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, and police have stated that they will not be making arrests or dispersing crowds due to non-compliance with COVID-19 measures.