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Camp of the Sovereign Bench

Protestors to vaccine mandates and lockdowns take over the House of Representatives holding placards and playing music. Text reads, 'Meanwhile, at the camp of the "sovereign backbench..."'

In late 2021 an eclectic mix of groups of demonstrators made their way to Canberra to protest vaccination mandates and COVID-19 lockdowns. Inspired by similar protests in Canada, they had varied concerns: anti-vaccination protestors, so-called ‘sovereign citizens’, supporters of the United Australia Party and assorted conspiracy theorists made up the ranks. While in Canberra, the groups staged protests at locations such as the National Press Club, the ABC and Government House.