Victoria Police on Australia Day riot alert in Melbourne CBD, St Kilda beach

POLICE are on riot red alert are warning they will have a zero tolerance approach for anti-social behaviour this Australia Day, urging Victorians to party in peace.

POLICE are on riot red alert and have warned thuggish demonstrators there would be no tolerance for their nonsense.

In a major Australia Day police presence, hundreds of officers will be scattered around the state — with a big focus on the city and at St Kilda.

Intelligence does not suggest any terror threats, but police have played out various response and tactic scenarios should violent clashes break out between left and right-wing protesters.

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Kane Miller of the True Blue Crew has organised a St Kilda “beach party”. Picture: AAP Image/James Ross

The True Blue Crew and United Patriots Front have planned a “beach party” in St Kilda, where there will be a heavy police show of force — uniform, covert and on horses.

Victoria Police’s Deputy Commissioner Andrew Crisp said as long as it was a behaved gathering, police had no issues with the get-together.

“Have a family BBQ, enjoy yourself — that’s fine, but if you intend to upset other people in that particular area, then be prepared for a significant police response,” he said.

“We are more than happy to facilitate people to engage in peaceful protests as is everyone's right.

“However, I want to be very clear in relation to any activities (today) planned by any groups where you intend to overstep the mark and engage in anti-social behaviour — it won’t be tolerated; in fact, there will be zero tolerance in relation to that.”

Warring factions clashed violently at Milo Yiannopoulos’ Melbourne appearance. Picture: AAP Image/Erik Anderson

Police in riot gear charge at protesters outside a Milo Yiannopoulos speaking event. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Far-right and left groups clashed violently across the city last year, most recently at a talk by controversial commentator Milo Yiannopoulos, where police used pepper spray to break up brawling parties and were themselves pelted by glass bottles and rocks.

Mr Crisp said Victorians should feel safe to go about their planned activities.

“I want Melburnians and Victorians to go out and enjoy the long weekend and enjoy Australia Day,” he said.

“We are not suggesting people don’t do what they have already got planned to do.”

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Police will put on a show of force at St Kilda beach. Picture: Tony Gough

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Police Minister Lisa Neville said warned that the “full force of the law” would be “brought to bear” on anyone protesting violently.

“There will be a zero-tolerance approach to people whether it’s racism, whether it’s violence,” she said.

“(Australia Day) means different things to different people in our community, but it is a day in which people who have different views can express them.

“But please do so without violence, do so without attacking other people, do so without racism.

Authorities have warned would-be troublemakers that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated. Picture: David Crosling

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“Speak loudly, be loud, put your point across but do so with compassion, empathy and without violence.”

Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge urged people to not attend rallies on the public holiday and said flying the flag at half mast was “ridiculous”.

“To those people who want to protest about Australia Day, can I just say, protest on every other day if you like but let us enjoy Australia Day for what it is and that is a great celebration of everything that is terrific about this country,” he said.

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