Premier backs down on protester face mask ban
Watering down plans to crack down on protesters wearing face coverings and masks to promote social cohesion has sparked a police response.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan announced on Tuesday that police could order masks to be removed if they suspect a protester has committed or is about to commit an offence.
The legislation will be introduced to state parliament this week, but falls short of a promise Ms Allan had previously made following the firebomb attack at the Adass Israel Synagogue.
Victoria Police Association boss Wayne Gatt criticized the legislation, saying it would not make a “significant difference” and needed to be bold and enforceable for police officers.
“We haven’t seen the bill yet. But if it means our members politely asking protesters if they have a legal reason to wear a face mask, it should be renamed the ‘nice please’ bill,” Mr Gatt told AAP. he said.
“Imagine going up to 100 people wearing black balaclavas and asking them individually if they have a legal excuse to wear them. We don’t think that would make a significant difference in the protest environment in which our members work.”
Addressing journalists on December 17 last year, Ms Allan announced that the use of face masks and balaclavas would be banned at protests.
This follows a series of anti-Semitic attacks in Melbourne, with the proposed laws aimed to target extremist behavior at protests.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Ms Allan argued the law strengthened police powers to tackle violent extremist behaviour.
“No one has the right to spread hatred or engage in violence on our streets, especially during protests,” he said.
“These new powers that we have introduced to Parliament make it clear that if you come to a protest to bring violence, to bring hatred, you will be dealt with by Victoria Police.”
Ms Allan said the changes followed recommendations on what could be passed by parliament and implemented by Victoria Police.
“This is about passing enforceable legislation and there is a very high probability that a full ban will be challenged,” he said.
“If this law is overturned, it won’t help anyone.”
Protesters who refuse to comply will be fined more than $1,000.
It would be illegal to display terrorist symbols or flags, and protesters would also be prohibited from using anchorage or locking devices “in a manner that endangers the public, first responders, and other protesters,” punishable by up to a year in prison.
Opposition Leader Brad Battin said earlier on Tuesday that watered-down legislation on face masks “won’t cut the cake”.
