BOWMAN MP Andrew Laming has called for federal government COVID-19 payments to be stripped from people who attend protests, saying large rallies were putting the public and economy at further risk.
Mr Laming told Parliament that infringements or court convictions resulting from mass gatherings must include the equivalent of coronavirus welfare payments.
It follows major rallies across the country for the Black Lives Matter movement and smaller protests against the 5G network and the incarceration of asylum seekers.
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Mr Laming said a portion of protesters were happily pocketing taxpayer money while putting people in danger of infection.
"Cramming bodies together and chanting is about the most dangerous thing you can do right now," Mr Laming said.
"COVID lockdowns cost taxpayers around a billion dollars per working day.
"On the cusp of relaxing those restrictions, these rallies risk costing the nation billions more for no additional benefit.
"Overseas evidence indicates that screaming, singing or barracking may require separation of up to seven metres."
Mr Laming said he was not disputing people's right to assemble but now was not the time to protest.
He said public health directives were being blatantly ignored and those rallying were likely unaware that fines in Queensland were worth more than $13,000.
"You can't take from taxpayers with one hand, then intentionally increase the risk of infecting them with the other," Mr Laming said.
"Politicians telling them not to assemble appears to be increasing the size of crowds, which are fundamentally about resisting and challenging authority."
He said rally organisers should be held personally liable for conduct and subsequent infections and face bigger financial penalties.
The states and territories would make the final call on the fines, not the federal government.
"I am proposing that any judgement include this additional amount, regardless of whether offenders are in receipt of the amount or not," Mr Laming said.
"I want to see existing laws applied appropriately, but more importantly, protesters attending rallies need to understand what is at stake.
"Anyone dismissing health risks should forfeit the income-replacement payments associated with the health emergency."
Health Minister Steven Miles called on protesters to find other ways to have their say rather than attending rallies.
He said people should stay at home after tens of thousands of people protested two weeks ago.
Mr Laming said rallies should be moved to sports fields or golf courses larger than 15 hectares, as it would ensure social distancing rules were followed.
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