Victorian Opposition Leader Brad Battin and Shadow Minister for Police David Southwick have condemned the violence that erupted during today’s Melbourne protests, calling it an attack on police and a failure of the state government to maintain order.
“Victorians are right to be angry about today’s protests in Melbourne. Our police are being attacked, injured, and abused for simply doing their job protecting Victorians,” the statement said. “This was a disgraceful attack on our police officers. Being pelted with rocks and bottles isn’t free speech, it’s criminal violence.”
Battin and Southwick said police officers had reached breaking point, facing growing aggression each week without enough support from the government. “Victoria Police have had enough and so have all Victorians. Police are on the frontline every week, facing growing aggression while the government looks the other way,” they said.
They accused Premier Jacinta Allan of failing to deliver on her promise of stronger protest laws, saying that “the government’s inaction is fuelling division and hate.”
“The Premier promised tougher protest laws, but Jacinta Allan’s failure to act is fuelling division and hate. It’s time she stood up for law and order and backed the police who keep us safe,” the statement said.
The Opposition has pledged to restore police funding and bring back “move-on” powers if elected. It also proposed introducing a protest registration system to prevent demonstrations from escalating into violence.
“A Liberals and Nationals Government will restore police funding and bring back move-on powers. We’ll introduce a protest registration system to ensure protests don’t get out of control,” the statement concluded.
The comments come after a day of high tension across Melbourne, with both anti-immigration and anti-racism rallies drawing thousands to the CBD. Police deployed large numbers of officers to contain the crowds and reported several clashes between protesters and counter-protesters.
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