Victoria Police are preparing one of their largest public-order operations of the year as Melbourne braces for a potentially violent protest clash in the CBD this Sunday.
Officers say they “have no choice” but to heavily saturate the city with police resources ahead of the “Put Australia First” rally, which is expected to attract hundreds of anti-immigration protesters as well as hundreds of counter-protesters.
Police intelligence suggests that individuals accused of throwing rocks, glass bottles and rotten fruit during last month’s violent rally on October 19 are likely to reappear. At that event, two officers were injured and specialist detectives have been investigating a group of anarchist protesters linked to the assaults.
Superintendent Troy Papworth said police were specifically concerned about violence coming from the counter-protest group, which authorities believe was responsible for a series of assaults on officers during the October unrest. “Police have had no choice but to put in place a significant operational response,” he said. “If you come into the city and you act violent, you will be caught, and you may spend time in a police cell.”
The strengthened police response will include officers with powers to order mask removals, impose heavy fines on those who refuse, and remove offenders from the CBD. Papworth warned that “Melburnians are fed up” with repeated violent behaviour linked to protests.
Up to 1,000 people are expected at each event — both the main anti-immigration rally and the counter-protest — prompting concerns about clashes in a crowded city centre. Police will also maintain a visible presence around the new Metro Tunnel, though authorities do not expect disruptions to commuters beyond increased police activity.
Drone footage from the October 19 violence — where rocks and other projectiles were hurled at officers — has formed part of an ongoing investigation. On Friday, detectives released images of six additional suspects, bringing the total number of wanted individuals to 19. Three people have already been arrested, including a 21-year-old Port Melbourne man charged with assaulting and hindering police, and a 56-year-old Kilsyth man facing similar charges. Both were bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on May 26.
Police continue to urge the public to plan for delays on Sunday and expect a strong police presence across Melbourne’s CBD.
