Riot police set for front line at future COVID protests

Liberty Victoria spokesperson Michael Stanton said while there was a right to protest, Saturday’s demonstration “overstepped the mark”.

“There was no social distancing and few people wearing masks, placing people at long-term risk.”

He said footage of demonstrators violently breaking through police lines was “deeply disturbing”.

Mr Stanton said Liberty Victoria remained concerned at some police tactics used in previous demonstrations, including firing pepper-ball rounds.