Victoria Police have warned that fresh unrest could erupt in Melbourne this weekend, with Inspector Troy Papworth confirming that officers are on high alert as four separate demonstrations are planned.
According to police intelligence, Saturday will see rallies by nationalist, anti-government and anti-racism groups, coming in the wake of violent clashes at an anti-immigration march less than a fortnight ago.
“These demonstrations involve a mix of far-right ideology, left-wing groups and opposing views,” Inspector Papworth said. “Given the violence we saw on Melbourne’s streets two weeks ago, and our information suggesting these groups again intend to confront each other, the police had no choice but to mount a significant operation to keep the community safe and ensure these groups are kept apart.”
The rallies are being organised by Save Australia, Australia Unites Against Government Corruption, the Black Peoples Union and the Campaign Against Racism and Fascism, along with other left-wing groups centred on specific issues.
Papworth added that the far-right National Socialist Network could also attempt to join. “We cannot rule out the possibility that, as we saw two weeks ago, the National Socialist Network will take part and speak,” he said.
City centre declared a designated area
In preparation, the entire Melbourne CBD has been declared a “designated area,” giving police expanded powers to search individuals for weapons and require the removal of masks or face coverings.
Papworth confirmed that there will be “more police officers” than at the March for Australia rally and counter-demonstrations two weeks ago, with “different tactics” to be employed.
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“What we saw two weeks ago was violence on our streets, and that is something we simply cannot tolerate. We are committed to maintaining the community’s safety,” he said.
Focus on camp sovereignty
While declining to reveal operational details, Papworth emphasised that police would also “focus” on Camp Sovereignty, the Aboriginal sacred site and protest camp that was recently attacked.
He stressed there were “no indications” of imminent problems at the site but said it remained a priority. “Camp Sovereignty is absolutely in our focus to make sure people are safe,” he said.
“We do not condone violence against any particular group and we do not want to see it happen again in this city. It will be our priority to ensure we are well-resourced and deployed across the CBD to deal with any outbreaks of violence.”
