Share on Twitter Barnaby Joyce has defended one of his Nationals colleagues for attending an anti-lockdown protest and supporting huge rallies in Melbourne and Sydney. The deputy prime minister said George Christensen was within his rights to attend a legal rally in Queensland and voice support for the other demonstrations, which breached public health orders. Mr Christensen argued on social media civil disobedience was moral and the only response to laws that restricted freedom. But there are concerns about the federal politician endorsing behaviour that could lead to more coronavirus infections and longer lockdowns. Mr Joyce said he did not agree with the backbencher's comments or actions but refused to condemn them.