Perth student receives alleged death threat as anti-vaxxer presence at schools ramps up

WA's Education Minister has slammed "gutless" and '"intimidating" anti-vaccination protesters who have held rallies at schools around the state, after allegations a protester confronted a student and told them "I might as well shoot you now".

Protests have ramped up around Western Australia, as the state government pushes ahead with its COVID-19 vaccination roll-out and prepares to introduce mandatory jabs for much of the workforce.

Education Minister Sue Ellery said she had heard reports of "extremist" behaviour at a Perth school.

"There was an incident yesterday at metropolitan school where there was a protester out the front engaged in a conversation with a student, it's alleged, and as part of that conversation the protester said words to the effect of 'well I might as well shoot you now'," Ms Ellery said.

"That is outrageous to be making that kind of comment to a school student.

"Holding a peaceful protest is one thing, intimidating and threatening children is really pathetic, it's gutless."

She said police were looking into the incident and other reports of unruly protest behaviour.

Calls for buffer zones around WA schools

Twice this week, protesters have gathered outside Margaret River Senior High School, prompting calls from parents for buffer zones at schools, similar to laws introduced earlier this year to prevent picketing near abortion clinics.

Misti Lyness has kids at Margaret River High and was uncomfortable with kids being targeted.

"I would like to see buffer zones at all of the schools so children can safely enter without being coerced or harassed in any way," she said.

"I just wondered if a buffer zone might give police more power to move people on, there's so many places to protest, there's a park just 50 metres away from the school, and that's a great place where we would have protests," she said.

Margaret River grandmother Lisa Chatwin said she had written to WA's police minister in support of the move and said it was not just about vaccinations.

"At the moment, the national conversation and debate is about vaccination but I mean that can change at any time. 

Police Minister Paul Papalia said he had received correspondence highlighting concern about the protests, and referred it to WA Police for action.

AMA backs safety zones

Australian Medical Association WA president Mark Duncan-Smith urged the government to introduce safe zones around schools and vaccination clinics.

"It needs to be very clear to these people that their behaviour, their intimidation, their use of fear and threatening will not be tolerated by our society, especially when they apply it to our young and vulnerable," he said.

"The government should move swiftly to protect the children from this sort of bullying and intimidation, and the potential psychological consequences of this on our children by these pro-disease, delusional fanatics."

Dr Duncan-Smith labelled the actions of protesters "disgusting and despicable".

Premier 'appalled' at 'deranged' protests

WA Premier Mark McGowan slammed the behaviour of anti-vaccination protesters who had targeted students getting their COVID-19 vaccinations.

"It's deranged, it's outrageous, it's selfish," he said.

"Harassing kids at their schools or in shopping centres is not the Australian way.

"This kind of conduct is verging on urban terrorism."

Anti-vax principal being investigated

Meanwhile, Ms Ellery said she was investigating reports the principal of a private college in Perth's south, Divine Mercy College, had threatened to shut down his school rather than get the COVID-19 jab.

Ms Ellery said she had also sought advice on whether the principal of the college in Yangebup could be stripped of his teacher's registration.

"This is a school principal who holds a position of privilege and power effectively abusing that position with his own personal views against the public health advice," Ms Ellery said.

Ms Ellery said she had sought advice about whether the principal had breached standards under the Teacher Registration Board. 

"He has frightened his staff by threatening their jobs, and he has frightened his school community and the parents by suggesting to them their children will no longer be able to attend this school."

Archbishop of Perth Timothy Costelloe released a statement expressing disappointment at the anti-vaccination stance reportedly adopted by the college.

"Divine Mercy College, while it offers an education in the Catholic tradition, is an independent school completely separate from Catholic Education Western Australia Ltd," he stated.

"Accordingly, Divine Mercy College is subject to its own governing body. 

"The position being promoted by the Principal of the College is not the position of the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth and nor does it represent the position clearly enunciated by Pope Francis, who has indicated that it is 'an act of love' to receive the vaccination in order to protect the common good and the health and well-being of our community."

In response to a request for comment from the ABC, Divine Mercy College said it was "seeking legal advice regarding this matter and will be preparing an official statement in the near future".

School protests 'cause for concern'

Head of the WA Council for State School Organisations Pania Turner said school protests were an emerging issue that was "absolutely a cause for concern" if they caused stress for students and their families.

"This is a new thing that we're seeing and something that we're watching closely," she said.

"I do know that parents will be quite concerned if the situation that happened in Margaret River becomes a regular or an increasing thing around our schools.

"We will be working with the department to explore all options to ensure that students can enjoy their learning and enjoy going to school without being harassed."