permits needed to protect police from violence and injury, says union

“He said… ‘Here they are [protesters] “They either play by the rules or they don’t,” he said.

Opposition police spokesman David Southwick said on Sunday night that if elected the Coalition would introduce a protest registration system to ensure they do not get out of control.

“This was a disgraceful attack on our police officers. Being pelted with rocks and bottles is not free speech, it is criminal violence,” Southwick said.

“The Prime Minister promised tougher protest laws but [Premier] Jacinta Allan’s failure to act fuels division and hatred. “Now is the time to defend law and order and support the police who keep us safe.”

Allan said people have the right to protest, but also the obligation to do so peacefully.

Victoria Police Commander Wayne Cheesman was furious as he described protesters’ attacks on officers. “Melbourne is sick to its stomach,” he said.

Holding a large rock that he said was thrown at police, Cheesman said: “This really horrifies me. This could kill someone, that’s the outcome.”

“I’m showing you the rocks because I think the public needs to see what the police are being targeted with,” he said.

But rally organizers disputed Cheesman’s statement and claimed protesters were hospitalized due to “violent actions by Victoria Police”.

“Police used violence that injured activists and nearly five people were hospitalized. Police denied thousands the right to protest while facilitating racist, hate-filled demonstrations for Australia, using white supremacy to defend the ideology of a white Australia,” social media said.

On Monday morning, Police Minister Anthony Carbines said protesters intent on causing violence should be dealt with “as harshly as possible” by police and defended police actions.

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