Chaotic scenes unfolded across Melbourne on Saturday as scuffles broke out between agitators from largely peaceful rallies that drew thousands of people to the CBD.

Victoria Police said 600 officers patrolled four separate protests, including two anti-racism marches sparked by the prominence of neo-Nazis at last month’s March for Australia demonstrations, and two anti-government rallies.

Public transport was brought to a standstill across every tram line in the city for hours, while shops closed their doors and bemused locals and tourists watched.

Outside the Victorian parliament, anti-authoritarian rallies were staged under the banners of “Save Australia” and “Australia unites against government corruption”, but organisers said the groups were not connected.

At Flinders Street Station

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