Key Takeaways
- Victoria’s police chief will be given sweeping powers to shut down or move on protests in the aftermath of terrorist events
- The police commissioner will have the power to "stop or move on a public protest within a certain time following a designated terrorist event"
- The new powers will likely be modelled on the NSW legislation, under which protests can be banned for 14 days
- The government will fast-track the civil law aspects of the state’s new anti-vilification laws to come into effect in April 2026
- The government will introduce new laws to "hold social media companies to account" when vilification is carried out by anonymous users
Introduction to New Powers
The Victorian government has announced plans to introduce legislation granting the police commissioner sweeping powers to shut down or move on protests in the aftermath of terrorist events. This move is expected to be welcomed by the police commissioner, Mike Bush, who has been in discussions with the government about being given the power to "veto protests when they’re not appropriate". The new powers will likely be modelled on the NSW legislation, under which protests can be banned for 14 days. The Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan, stated that the safety of the community is paramount and that there is a need for calm and cohesion.
Deployment of Armed Officers
In addition to the new powers, the police Critical Incident Response Team (Cirt) will be deployed to the Boxing Day Test as an additional security measure after the Bondi attack. The Cirt officers will be carrying long-arm semi-automatic rifles and will be highly visible across all five days of play. This decision is proactive and based on the current threat environment, rather than a specific new threat. The police commissioner stated that the reason for this deployment is to provide reassurance to the public that they are safe and to act as a deterrent.
Fast-Tracking Anti-Vilification Laws
The government will fast-track the civil law aspects of the state’s new anti-vilification laws to come into effect in April 2026, instead of mid-year. The government will also amend the laws to remove the requirement for consent from the Director of Public Prosecutions before police can pursue criminal vilification charges. This compromise was reached with the crossbench in order for the bill to pass parliament in April. The premier expressed hope that the Coalition, which voted against the anti-vilification laws, would support the amendment.
Holding Social Media Companies Accountable
The government will introduce new laws to "hold social media companies to account" when vilification is carried out by anonymous users. A respected jurist will be appointed to examine how this can work, including whether platforms can be held liable for civil claims when the owner of an account cannot be identified. The laws could also extend to online forums, including comment sections on news websites. This move is part of the government’s commitment to combating antisemitism and ensuring the safety of the Jewish community.
Combating Antisemitism
The premier announced a series of measures to combat antisemitism, including a review of Victoria’s gun laws, the release of the state’s new strategy for preventing and countering extremism, and the appointment of a commissioner to oversee its implementation. A council of "eminent Victorians" will be established to develop clear, measurable long-term goals to combat antisemitism and implement recommendations from Jillian Segal’s federal review. The premier expressed her commitment to fighting for the safety of Melbourne’s Jewish community and acknowledged the unique sadness, pain, and fear of Jews in this moment.
Conclusion
The Victorian government’s announcement of new powers for the police commissioner and the deployment of armed officers to major events marks a significant shift in the state’s approach to combating terrorism and antisemitism. The fast-tracking of anti-vilification laws and the introduction of new laws to hold social media companies accountable are also important steps in ensuring the safety of the community. The premier’s commitment to combating antisemitism and her acknowledgement of the unique challenges faced by the Jewish community are crucial in promoting cohesion and calm in the state. As the government moves forward with these measures, it is essential to consider the potential implications and ensure that they are effective in achieving their intended goals.