Premier Jacinta Allan has announced a sweeping crackdown on protest activity in Victoria, unveiling new laws aimed at combating extremist and divisive demonstrations.
“Because it doesn’t matter if you’re Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu – every Victorian deserves the right to simply be who they are. Victoria’s multicultural communities have asked for this. Victoria Police have asked for this. And now, we’re making it the law.”
The proposed legislation will ban protests outside places of worship and outlaw the public display of flags and symbols linked to listed terrorist organisations, such as Hezbollah and Hamas. Masks and balaclavas, commonly used by protesters to conceal their identities, will also be prohibited.
“Face masks aren’t a free pass to break the law. There should be no place to hide in this state if you’re a racist stirring up hate on the streets.”
The measures come in response to increasing community concern following a firebombing at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea earlier this month. Ms Allan criticised recent protests that targeted religious sites, calling such actions “menacing behaviour” that must be stopped.
“Protests that harm others cannot be tolerated. We will legislate to ensure Victorians can gather and pray without fear, harassment, or intimidation,” she said.
The crackdown also includes a ban on dangerous protest tools such as glue, ropes, and chains, which are often used to disrupt public order. The government aims to give police stronger powers to tackle “extreme, dangerous, and radical” conduct at demonstrations.
Multicultural groups seeking government grants will now be required to sign a social cohesion pledge, with penalties for breaches.
The changes have drawn mixed reactions, with Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton criticising the state government for being slow to act.
“Jewish Australians have faced deplorable treatment, and the Allan government should have addressed this months ago.”
Premier Allan affirmed that the measures reflect Victoria’s commitment to protecting its multicultural communities from hate and intimidation, promising strong action to “fight hate and help Victorians heal.”
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