An image has been shared repeatedly on Facebook and Twitter alongside a claim it shows an anti-vaccination protest in Melbourne — Australia's second-largest city — in September 2021. The claim is false: the image shows workers in Melbourne rallying against labour laws in 2006.
The image was shared on Facebook on September 27, 2021.
Also Read: Study Cited To Claim COVID-19 Shots Are Dangerous Is Flawed
"Melbourne this weekend," the caption reads. "Time for Queenslanders to stand up before it gets as bad as [Victoria]".
Text superimposed on the image states in part: "This is the image you won't see today! Share it around!"
A screenshot of the misleading Facebook post as of October 1, 2021.
The post circulated online after construction workers rioted against COVID-19 vaccine requirements in Australia's second-largest city Melbourne. The violent protests prompted abrupt site closures.
The image was also shared on Facebook here and here, and Twitter here and here alongside a similar claim.
The image was also included in a report published here on the 2021 protests by The Australian newspaper.
The caption reads: "Industrial relations protest rally in Melbourne. An aerial view of marchers at the corner of Swanston and Bourke streets, Melbourne".
In fact, the image was taken in 2006.
Also Read: Did A Canadian Suffer A Cardiac Arrest After Getting COVID-19 Vaccine?
An identical photo was uploaded to Newspix, the image licensing department for News Corp Australia.
The Newspix photo is dated June 28, 2006.
The caption states: "Aerial view of protesters gathered at the intersection of Swanston Street and Bourke Street in Melbourne, Victoria as they take part in an industrial relations rally".
Below is a screenshot of the Newspix photo:
Also Read: Australia Has Not Reported Four Miscarriages Caused By COVID-19 Vaccines
Tens of thousands of workers attended mass rallies across Australia — including Melbourne — to protest against labour laws, according to another news report published by The New York Times on June 28, 2006.