Allan says Victoria Police doesn’t need new permit rules for protests

Jacinta Allan has shut down calls from Victoria Police for protesters to require a permit, saying the force already has the means to respond to unruly crowds.

Victoria Police’s pleas for a new permit to protest scheme have been shut down by Premier Jacinta Allan, who claims police already have the tools and resources they need to respond to unruly crowds.

The Sunday Herald Sun revealed police had sought the new rules in a bid to crack down on violent protests, with the force concerned about how often protests are being held and the disruption they are having on the community and police resources.

Victoria Police recently contacted Police Minister Anthony Carbines about the introduction of a permit system which has already been introduced in New South Wales and could stop continual protests about the same issue.

Victoria Police has sought new rules in a bid to crack down on violent protests. Picture: Tony Gough

Since October 8, about 7500 police shifts have been needed to cover 315 protests surrounding the Middle East conflict alone.

Ms Allan on Monday condemned a violent protest in Melbourne’s CBD on Saturday as “simply unacceptable”.

Herald Sun photographer Tony Gough was injured after he was pushed to the ground and pepper sprayed during the scuffle. He sustained cuts to his face and legs.

Ms Allan said Victorians had a right to peacefully protest but police had the necessary powers to arrest and move on people who pose a threat to themselves or the community.

She said a permit scheme would be ineffective and wouldn’t guarantee that protests don’t turn ugly.

Jacinta Allan says a violent protest in Melbourne’s CBD was ‘simply unacceptable’. Picture: Tony Gough

“That does not mitigate against something happening at an event,” Ms Allan said.

“People who go to these sorts of activities,who go and participate in protest activity should at all times respect the right to be able to gather together peacefully.

“The issuing of a permit and the authorisation for a gathering to go ahead versus what may happen at that event are two very different things.”

About 7500 police shifts have been needed to cover 315 protests surrounding the Middle East conflict alone. Picture: Valeriu Campan

In New South Wales, a permit system is in place which gives the Chief Commissioner authority to oppose a gathering.

Ms Allan said a refusal to protest could then be challenged through a court process.

“In my mind that runs the risk of being a very lengthy, unwieldy, time consuming process for both the police force and the court system and it does not give a guarantee that each and every event would be undertaken peacefully,” she said.

Ms Allan said she regularly had conversations with Chief Commissioner Shane Patton and her focus is to support Victoria Police with funding and resources.