September 13, 2024
The state government will consider expanding police powers as the opposition demands violent protesters who try to hide their identities be forced to remove their face coverings at any time or place.
It follows this week's ugly protests at Melbourne's Land Forces expo at which 24 police were injured.
"People who think they can wear masks and goggles and try and hide themselves, have claimed to be there as peaceful protesters, clearly don't want to be identified, and clearly go there with the intent to cause harm and injury," Police Minister Anthony Carbines said.
"We have designated areas and those powers which allow police to request and instruct people to remove face coverings, and where they try to hide their identity, and if they're not prepared to do that . we'll look further at whether we can strengthen that." It comes amid warnings the violent city scenes reported overseas may jeopardise the city's reputation as a major events capital.
Opposition Leader John Pesutto labelled the protests "a disgrace".
"We need to give Victoria Police wider powers in the case of violent protests where they can order people to remove face coverings without the restrictions," he said.
Under powers granted police, officers can request protesters remove their masks in special zones.
But Mr Pesutto said the provisions needed to be broader, "because the violence is getting worse".
He said the Coalition was exploring a permit system for protests.
Victorian Liberal senator James Paterson said major event organisers would look elsewhere if they could not be certain people were safe.
"The lawlessness we've seen this week is a major disincentive for anyone contemplating hosting a conference in Melbourne," he said.
Anti-war activists continued to protest on Thursday.
Several hundred descended on the Bourke St head office of Korean weapons manufacturer Hanwha, chanting "stop arming Israel" and "shame".
Police surrounded the protesters and were stationed in surrounding buildings.
Twenty-four officers were injured while trying to control the violent mob on Wednesday as protesters also deliberately sprayed substances into police horses' noses and brought marbles to upset their footing.
A police spokeswoman confirmed several police horses suffered skin irritation.
On calls for protest permits, Mr Carbines said there were already "frequently" used powers to move on protesters, adding that 42 had been arrested at these protests.
"They can remove those people until peace is restored," he said. "They can do that on the Summary Offences Act, and it works very effectively." Mr Carbines took aim at a call by the Greens for an inquiry into claims of "excessive force" by police, accusing the party of inciting violence itself.
Premier Jacinta Allan said protesters had used tactics that brought "conflict and division" to Melbourne streets, making it clear they did not plan to protest peacefully.
