Rings of steel to placed around CBD for ASEAN-Australia Summit

Police will be on high alert with several rings of steel to be placed around the city, with Melbourne set to host Southeast Asian leaders for an international summit.

Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (C) will visit Melbourne next week for the ASEAN-Australia Summit alongside a cohort of leaders from Southeast Asia. Picture: Mohd RASFAN / AFP

Police have been granted extraordinary powers to search people and enter premises ahead of next week’s ASEAN-Australia Special Summit.

Beefed up security measures will also include police rings of steel around key CBD sites with authorities on high alert for protest activity as 140 leaders and dignitaries from across southeast Asia meet to discuss business, climate and clean energy, emerging leaders, and maritime at Australia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit between Monday and Wednesday.

Philippines President, Ferdinanrd Marcos Jr, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chính are all expected to attend.

Special anti-terrorism powers, not used in Victoria since 2006, have been granted by the Supreme Court allowing police to search people and vehicles, demand identification and enter premises at events including at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the National Gallery and Government House.

Philippines president Ferdinand R Marcos Jr will be among a cohort of leaders set to visit Melbourne for the ASEAN summit Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Police will also have move on powers allowing them to direct people to leave certain areas.

Traffic delays are also expected across the city with rolling road blockages set to cause significant disruptions to road users and public transport.

It is expected to be a major boost to Victoria’s economy with major boosts for the hospitality, tourism, and entertainment industries.

A focus of discussions is expected to be on Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, launched by Prime Minister Albanese in September.

“Australia is proud to be ASEAN’s first Dialogue Partner, sharing 50 years of mutual respect and co-operation with our friends in Southeast Asia,” Mr Albanese said.

“Building Australia’s links with the countries of Southeast Asia is a priority for the Government.

“The Special Summit commemorates our shared history and focuses firmly on the future – on how we can deepen our ties and Australia’s engagement with our region.

“Australia sees ASEAN at the centre of a stable, peaceful, and prosperous region. Strengthening our relationship ensures our shared future prosperity and security.

“I look forward to welcoming my counterparts to Australia to discuss the shared challenges facing our region, opportunities to enhance our prosperity and how we can build on our strong relationships.”

The Prime Minister will also hold the Australia-Singapore Annual Leaders Meeting and bilateral meetings with the leaders of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, Timor-Leste and with the ASEAN Secretary-General.