Black Lives Matter protest will take place outside Parliament in Victoria
A Black Lives Matter protest will take place in the city on Saturday, with police expecting the biggest mass gathering since coronavirus restrictions were implemented in Victoria.
VIC News
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Thirty thousand protesters are expected to pack the Melbourne CBD in a rally against black deaths in custody on Saturday.
More than 31,000 people have registered for the protest, outside Parliament House, which follows the death of George Floyd and days of riots in the US.
Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius said while officers would take an “engaging and conciliatory approach” to policing the protest, their fundamental role was to “keep the city safe from harm”.
“We respect the right everyone has to protest peacefully and lawfully,” Mr Cornelius said.
Hundreds of uniformed police, the Public Order Response Team, the Highway Patrol and the mounted branch will monitor the rally, amid fears counter-protesters could cause tension.
The force has also promised “a swift and firm response” to looting and mayhem, which has broken out across the US.
“We are not prepared to stand by and see assaults, vandalism and theft in our city,” Mr Cornelius said.
“If there is significant disruption, the community can be assured we will act. We are fully prepared.”
The protest is expected to be the largest gathering since coronavirus restrictions were introduced in March, with police fearing it would undo months of hard work in containing the infection rate.
“It would be a tragedy if people of good faith and intent, coming together to protest, do so in a way which causes our elderly and most vulnerable to be exposed to the coronavirus,” Mr Cornelius said.
“Participation in a mass gathering generates a risk of community-based transmission of the virus.
“Saturday presents as a real potential tipping point.”
Protesters are being urged to socially distance themselves, but it remains unclear how that can be done with such large numbers.
Mr Cornelius said police would “exercise their discretion” on whether to fine people for breaches of the directives of the Chief Health Officer.
He said avoiding conflict would be the high priority.
“We don’t want to be in enforcement mode, being robo-cop,” he said.
It comes after Police Minister Lisa Neville yesterday said fines would not be issued.
AC Cornelius said police were engaging with protest organisers and conversations so far had been co-operative.
However there are fears counter-protesters known to cause trouble at previous Melbourne events may turn up as well as criminals inspired by looting and mayhem in the USA.
“We will have a strong and dedicated police presence,” AC Cornelius said.
“We are very clear, we are not prepared to stand by and see assaults, vandalism and theft in our city.
“We will have a swift and firm response. If there is significant disruption, the community can be assured we will act. We are fully prepared.”
Hundreds of uniformed police will be supported by the Public Order Response Team, the Highway Patrol and the Mounted Branch.
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