Yeah, only my opinion but this might be a bit of which came first the chicken or the egg. I think there are a lot of moving pieces and it is a bit simple to say anti-vaccination protest became Russian propaganda. I have seen some posts on social media along the lines of Russia would not put up with woke or cancel culture. There might also be a bit of a kickback with the way our Government just seems to hand Zelensky taxpayers money and weapons. So I don't think the political climate has done itself any favors. Any protest might end up with some Russian flags.
The Ukraine ambassador made an issue of the Russian flag at the Australian Open which also received some kickback if I recall.
Russian flag-waving fans questioned by police
Disclaimer: I do not support Ukraine I think Australia should have stayed out of it.
Russia might be fanning the flame or not opposed to what some Australians see as a WWII ally in a climate of woke and past lockdowns. The communist Government might not look as bad as it did the other day to some. So I think there is some virtual signalling going on. Hopefully, it will stay in its lane.
Re-posting my understanding of freedom of speech in Australia please note the limitations in the full post around freedom of speech.
Limitation:
In addition, under article 21 freedom of assembly may be subject to restrictions imposed in conformity with the law and which are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security or public safety, public order, the protection of public health or morals or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others. Article 22(2) makes similar provision in relation to freedom of association.
http://tinfoilwho.com/community/postid/52/
On the news report, it does not look like ABC spoke to anybody with a Russian flag to find out why they were carrying a Russian flag at an anti-vaccination rally. That's journalism for you. It would be nice to know why they were there when the news has in its heading Russian propaganda
For some people (who cares about Russia) to fly a Russian flag to annoy our Government might be just too easy. Out comes the police presence/statement, out comes the Aussie Cossack back story, out comes the Russian media trolling the west, and out comes the ABC to say it's a Russian propaganda opportunity. Job done for flying a couple of flags with nothing to do with anything.
How an Adelaide anti-vaccination protest became a Russian propaganda opportunity
Some attendees complained to event organisers about the Russian presence, alleging the rally was "hijacked".
But event organiser Kathy Scarborough told the ABC that claims the event was a sanctioned pro-Russia protest and that police were needed to "keep order" were false.