Crime and Public Safety

Increased Police Presence Across Melbourne CBD Ahead of 4 Protests on Weekend

A senior officer has described people using legitimate protest to mask violent intent as ‘gutless’ and says there will be an increased presence this weekend.
Increased Police Presence Across Melbourne CBD Ahead of 4 Protests on Weekend
March For Australia protesters and counter-protestors clash on Aug. 31, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images
Rex Widerstrom
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Victoria Police say they believe four different groups are planning demonstrations in Melbourne’s central business district (CBD) this weekend and are concerned there may be more violent clashes in a repeat of what happened on Aug. 31 during the “March for Australia” rallies.

A “Rally against Racism” is scheduled to start near Flinders Street Station at 11 a.m. on Sept. 13. The group aims to support migrants and protest the attack on the Aboriginal protest site Camp Sovereignty by the Nationalist Socialist Network, a neo-Nazi group.

Rex Widerstrom
Rex Widerstrom
Author
Rex Widerstrom is a New Zealand-based reporter with over 40 years of experience in media, including radio and print. He is currently a presenter for Hutt Radio.