Many of the alleged offenders wore face coverings at the protest.
Last year, Premier Jacinta Allan promised to ban face masks and balaclavas at protests. But the proposal introduced to parliament on Wednesday was watered down over the prospect of court challenges and potential opposition from Labor Party faithful.
On Saturday morning, Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said: “People who wear masks do so to disguise their appearance so that they are not identified when they are committing criminal acts.” He also said violence against police was deplorable.
Last week, a 24-year-old Corio man was charged with multiple offences – including assaulting a police officer and discharging a missile – after allegedly throwing a rock at an officer. The man will face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on November 20.
Police at the protest on Sunday October 19.Credit: Paul Jeffers
Both officers injured at the protest have returned to work. A female sergeant in her 40s will require ongoing rehabilitation to regain movement in her hand after she was kicked by protesters. A male senior constable received stitches for a cut on his leg.
Loading
Police Association secretary Wayne Gatt said it would be some weeks before the two would be able to return to work.
“I do note that my members will still go to demonstrations without the provision of head protection from this government,” he said.
Gatt’s comments came after the state government announced officers would soon receive metal detection wands to find more blades in public, a development which he said was less needed than head protection.
Counter-protester representatives, responding to allegations by police that they were violent, said it was police officers who injured protesters while facilitating “the racist, hateful demonstration” of anti-immigration protesters.
With Marta Pascual Juanola and Alexander Darling
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.