Opposition Leader Brad Battin is calling on Premier Jacinta Allan to put the safety of Victorians above politics and back the plan.
The legislation will:
- Establish a New South Wales style Protest Registration System, requiring organisers to register protests with Victoria Police.
- Ban face coverings except for religious reasons.
- Strengthen move-on powers, allowing police to issue directions when a person causes violence, blocks access, or has committed an offence within the previous 12 hours.
- Ban repeat offenders from protest areas for up to 12 months.
- Protect the right to peaceful protest by recognising registered protests in law.
On 17 December 2024, the Allan Government promised to deliver "Strong Action to Fight Hate and Help Victoria Heal" plan, promising to ban face masks at protests that conceal agitators and shield offenders from police crowd-control measures.
Since then, the Government has gone silent on detail and delivery.
Following last week's traumatic scenes of masked thugs pelting rocks at police and burning Australian flags, the Opposition is prepared to split the bill and work with the Government to save face on their promise to deliver the facemask ban and allow in to come into effect immediately.
This urgent action does not replace the need for a NSW style protest permit system, which the Opposition will also pursue following renewed calls from the Police Association to manage protests and keep people safe.
Leader of the Opposition Brad Battin said: "Victorians are sick of the weekly protests taking over the city, threatening visitors and bullying people just trying to make a living.
"Last week's violent attacks on police was the final straw.
"Now is the time for action not words, and Jacinta Allan should back the Liberals and Nationals' stronger protest laws.
"Labor should stop playing politics and work with us to deliver real reform that will make Victoria a safer and better place to live.
Shadow Minister for Police David Southwick said: "Jacinta Allan promised tougher protest laws but has been weak on crime and silent on delivery.
"It's time she stood up for law and order and backed our legislation that restores the balance between the right to protest and the right to public safety.
"Actions speak louder than words. Victorians want to see the Premier act against out-of-control protests that have no respect for police, democracy or the community."
