Police in Melbourne arrested at least 44 demonstrators after clashes erupted during a massive demonstration against the tough Covid-19 vaccine guidelines imposed on the construction industry.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said that the protesters' actions were "totally unacceptable" while Prime Minister Scott Morrison called the clashes in Melbourne "very concerning."
The government announced on Monday that the construction industry would be shut for 2 weeks and also asked work sites to follow health directives, especially asking their staff to be vaccinated.
These rules require construction workers to have at least one dose of vaccination before the industry opens again on October 5.