Premier backs down on protester face mask ban

Plans to crack down on protesters wearing face coverings and masks in a bid to improve social cohesion will be watered down, a move which has sparked a police and community backlash.

The Victorian Government has announced new protest laws, but Jewish community organisations are not completely convinced and are calling for clearer and more effective solutions.

The legislation has taken nearly a year to develop, involving consultations with the legal community, multicultural groups and faith communities.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said the government had taken its time to “get this legislation right”.

The planned laws aim to crack down on “dangerous and radical behaviour”, including giving the Victoria Police the power to remove masks at protests.

The proposed changes will enable Victoria Police to request that individuals who they reasonably believe have committed or are likely to commit a crime at a protest remove their masks or face coverings, or face fines. Medical, cultural or religious needs will be an exception for wearing face coverings, but Allan said, “Someone can’t use the pretence of having a cold, and that they’re wearing a mask, to get away with wearing a mask if they’re bringing violence to a protest.”

Allan went on to say that the laws would not be circumvented by violent individuals.

“I think we know the group of people we’re talking about here … it’s people who are choosing to cloak their identity because they want to come to a protest and bring hate and violence to our streets.”

In a joint statement, two community organisations said, “Unfortunately, we do not believe the masking laws will be sufficient to address violent, aggressive and offensive protesters who insist on hiding their identities.”

“The key representative bodies of the Victorian Jewish community, the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) and Zionism Victoria, thanked the Victorian Government for their consultation ahead of the introduction of protest law reforms.”

“It is important that there is consistency between Commonwealth and state law when it comes to publicly supporting banned terrorist organisations. Reforms that protect religious worshippers from intimidation, harassment and obstruction are also a real step in the right direction. All Victorians must be free to practice their faith in safety.”

Elyse Schachna, President of Zionism Victoria, said, “We’re disappointed by the Victorian Government’s backflip on the mask ban. What was promised as a clear, strong measure has been watered down into uncertainty. These laws risk creating more ambiguity than clarity.”

“We need clear, workable laws that build trust and social cohesion — not doubt.”

Naomi Levin, CEO of the JCCV said, “Protection for worshippers is important to our Jewish community. There should be no reason for protesters to assault or obstruct people of faith trying to enter their synagogue, church or temple.”

“Regrettably, the mask proposal is narrower and less effective than what Victorians were told to expect. It creates uncertainty where there should be clarity. Laws that protect the community must be clear, consistent and enforceable — this one isn’t.”

The increasing brazenness and public profile of neo-Nazis is a rising concern in the community, with Levin saying, “Victorians, including Jewish Victorians, are sick and tired of neo-Nazis, extremists and serial pests taking over our city, causing mayhem and disruption.

“These laws need to clearly tell protesters that they cannot hide behind masks. The JCCV will continue to work with the Government, Opposition and the crossbench to make sure all Victorians feel safe.”

The Premier when questioned about the softening of the promised mask laws, said the government had received advice against implementing a total ban on masks.

JCCV’s Levin said in response, “Regrettably, the mask proposal is narrower and less effective than what Victorians were told to expect.”

The Victorian government’s crackdown on crime continues, with the Premier planning law and order reforms targeting youth crime to be announced later this week. Reports say the government will introduce laws that will try children as adults in adult courts for certain types of crime. Allan said, “We are seeing this repeat pattern of violent, brazen offending and it’s increasingly being committed by children.”

“Young people need to know that there are consequences for their behaviour.”

with AAP