ladbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Pauline Hanson Declares ‘Building Lives Matter’ In Support Of Tradie Protest

Pauline Hanson Declares ‘Building Lives Matter’ In Support Of Tradie Protest

The One Nation Senator stands with the construction industry fighting for their 'freedom of choice'.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Pauline Hanson has thrown her support behind the construction industry's protest against mandatory Covid-19 vaccinations in Victoria.

Tradies have been told they will have to show proof of at least one dose if they want to work after figures showed a big portion of new infections are coming from worksites.

The whole industry has been shut down for two weeks and there have been three continuous days of angry protests in Melbourne.

While the demonstrations started with furious tradies, the rallies have since been hijacked by anti-vaxxers, anti-lockdown activists and even the far-right.

The tradies look like they have a supporter in One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson, however her way of conveying her approval has divided opinion.

The politician posted an image to Twitter declaring 'Building Lives Matter', which is obviously borrowing from the Black Lives Matter movement.

One person reacting to the post wrote: "Do you still stand by that statement if they protest at the shrine again? This isn't about the tradies. Most have got their shot together and are ready to return when the sector opens back up! 90% of people there aren't even tradies."

Another added: "Our health care systems matter Pauline. As do the lives of vulnerable people. You need to encourage people to think about needs of others not just their own preferences."

A third said: "Pauline. I love you and your strong support for others please do not support those in that rally that are doing things opposite to the union principles of safety at work."

Tradies aren't victims of systemic racism; they don't face wider discrimination in the broader society; they aren't faced with a massive social, financial and economic gap compared to non-tradies; and they haven't endured centuries of oppression.

They have simply been told to get the Covid-19 vaccine, which has also been mandated for healthcare workers, teachers and the aged care sector.

Michael Currie/Speed Media/Alamy Live News

Michael Currie/Speed Media/Alamy Live News

They have been told to get the jab because authorities believe there has been a high rate of non-compliance with the rules that were put in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Authorities also believe that there has been a declining rate of actual tradies being involved in the protests that have shocked Melbourne.

Elise Thomas, analyst at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, told The Feed that there have been a lot of 'opportunists' who have latched onto the construction industry's movement.

"In France and a bunch of other places, we've seen conspiracy groups latch on to the legitimate concerns of people who are dealing with significant workplace relations issues, trying to represent themselves as a true voice of the people," Ms Thomas said.

"It gets amplified and sort of twisted into their own forms of propaganda through their own networks."

Featured Image Credit: REUTERS/Jonathan Barrett

Topics: Australia