Victoria ‘Invasion Day’ rallies take place outside Parliament house; Share the Spirit festival to be held at Treasury Gardens

A Victoria Police spokesman said police were well prepared for the demonstrations and were in contact with protest organisers. No intelligence has currently suggested an increased risk of violence.

“Victoria Police will not tolerate anyone who intends to cause unruly, anti-social behaviour,” the spokesman said.

But general duty officers will wear helmets as “an additional layer of protection to ensure the safety of our frontline officers.”

They will also be supported by the mounted branch, highway patrol, public order response team, transit police and PSOs.

“There will be a highly visible police presence across the CBD along with a number of traffic management points,” the spokesman said.

The rollout of the helmets follows a trial late last year and is part of a wider initiative to improve police safety at high-risk events and unpredictable crowded environments.

in October, Stones, glass and rotten fruit were thrown at officers During violent scuffles while trying to maintain order at an Australian rally and counter-protest in March.

Police did not issue a weapons search warrant for Melbourne’s CBD on Monday.