Anger at cops’ slow response to port demonstration

Capsicum spray was used against protesters as 200 police officers descended on the Port of Melbourne on Monday but concerns were raised the force didn’t act soon enough.

The activists have been targeting Israeli company ZIM.

Police officers have clashed with pro-Palestine protesters at the Port of Melbourne – but have been slammed for not intervening much earlier.

Up to 200 officers – including members from the Mounted Branch – descended on Monday, clashing with angry demonstrators using capsicum spray.

The group had been camped at the scene since Friday, targeting an Israeli company called ZIM and a ship they believe has been carrying weapons to areas of conflict overseas.

Victorian International Container Terminal chief executive Bruno Porchietto told the Herald Sun protesters had brought the port to a standstill, leaving 55,000 containers on ships, which was costing the economy “millions of dollars per day”.

Police respond to the protests at the Port of Melbourne.

Some protesters clashed with police officers.

Capsicum spray was used against several people.

The pro-Palestine activists had been camped out at the port since Friday. Picture: Josie Hayden

He said police had blamed their lack of presence on being busy with the Australian Open and another pro-Palestinian protest.

“In the past days, they told us that they didn’t have the numbers,” he said.

“They didn’t have resources because there was the Australian Open going on and a big protest

in the city.”

The protesters have vandalised property and stopped trucks from entering the docks. VICT has been forced to ferry shift workers to the port by water taxis.

“My concern is, going forward, how do we keep operating,” Mr Porchietto said.

A Victoria Police spokesman said on Monday night officers had been monitoring the situation and responded accordingly.

“The protest activity is extremely dynamic and has escalated in recent days. So too has our police response.

“Victoria Police can only arrest people for protesting once the property owner requests that they leave.

“This happened for the first time on Monday.

“Throughout the day police made 10 arrests – nine people were arrested for trespass and one person was arrested for criminal damage.”

Opposition spokesman for Ports and Freight Roma Britnell said the delay in action was a major concern.

“Victoria is effectively being held to ransom by a small group of protesters,” she said.

“Jacinta Allan is clearly prepared to let these protesters inflict maximum damage on the Victorian supply chain

A Victorian Government spokesman said: “What has unfolded in the Middle East is deeply distressing for many in Victoria. It’s important that we maintain respect for each other, and we reaffirm that Victoria stands together with communities against hate speech and violent extremism, including antisemitism and Islamophobia.”

“Operational decisions such as the deployment of resources or the laying of charges are a matter for Victoria Police, who put the safety of all Victorians as their top priority.”