Police are warning would-be protesters to stay at home this weekend, with a significant police operation to be launched in response to planned unauthorised protest activity.
Preparations are underway for a highly visible and mobile police operation to disrupt any protests and prevent mass gatherings across the state.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott warned anyone thinking of protesting this weekend to stay at home, and not come into the city.
"There is no doubt that these protests are a risk to public health – for the community, for police as well as for the individual health of the protesters themselves," Mr Elliott said.
"We've seen past protesters end up contracting COVID-19, so anyone who is still considering protesting needs take a good hard look at themselves."
Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon, Metropolitan Field Operations, said the operation would mirror previous operations, which had been extremely successful in preventing and disrupting protest activity.
"We are continuing to monitor online commentary ahead of tomorrow and have put in place an extremely mobile police operation with significant resources, to respond to whatever situation we are faced with.
"I have said before and I will say it again – we take the health and safety of the community extremely seriously.
"I would again appeal to the community to do your part to protect your loved ones and the wider community by staying at home, unless you are complying with the requirements of the public health order.
"Engaging in an unauthorised protest does not comply with the public health order and anyone choosing to attend or participate for that purpose should expect to be met by the police and face penalties ranging from a fine to being arrested."
