Overview
- Police would be empowered to direct people they reasonably suspect of committing or about to commit an offence at a protest to remove face coverings, with fines for refusal.
- The package also bans the use of attachment devices such as locks, ropes, chains or glue at protests and prohibits public display of symbols of proscribed terrorist organisations, with penalties including up to a year in jail where conduct endangers others.
- Exemptions apply for legitimate medical, cultural, religious, educational or artistic reasons for wearing face coverings or displaying certain symbols.
- Premier Jacinta Allan says the model aims for workable laws after advice that a blanket mask ban would likely face a High Court challenge, following consultations with legal and community groups.
- Police Association Victoria criticises the softened mask powers as ineffective in practice, arguing they will make no significant difference at large protests.