Anti-vax rules protest
MORE than 10,000 vaccine dissidents have joined a new Facebook group for Far North Queensland business owners to flaunt their opposition to the state’s jab mandate.
The Businesses Opposing a Passport: Cairns and Far North Queensland group has existed for less than a week but is already notching up a considerable online reach.
The iconic Hann River Roadhouse at Laura posted it would “not discriminate
against anyone” while also flagging a potential pitfall once the state government’s strict new vaccination rules came into play on December 17.
“We might not be able to sell alcohol or cafe food (that requires a food licence) as I will not be forcing my staff to get the jab,” the business page posted.
Others, from towing companies and pubs to service stations and restaurants, have joined the chorus with varying levels of rebellion.
Some food vendors stated they would have to switch to takeaway-only, while others appeared to be flagging an intention to simply disobey the rules.
Members have organised to hold “roadside action” every Friday afternoon on the highway in Cairns North.
They have also foreshadowed a massive turnout to the Cairns leg of the Worldwide Rally for Freedom to be held next to Muddy’s Playground on the Esplanade on Saturday.
The last such rally at the site in August drew about 700 protesters.
Despite the numbers, the anti-vax crowd is on the slide across the region.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Tuesday revealed 82.2 per cent of Queenslanders had received a single dose, and 70.5 per cent were fully vaccinated.
Cairns has now crept ahead of the state average with 83 per cent first dose and 70.6 per cent double-vaxxed.
“We know a lot of people still have questions,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“All I ask is that they talk to trusted professionals like their GP or pharmacist or the health staff at our vaccination clinics.
“I am sure that they can put their minds at rest.”