Jacinta Allan has blamed a “very small number” of counter-protesters for violent scenes in Melbourne ’s CBD, insisting the city is safe and police have the powers they need to maintain order.

The Victorian premier’s comments come after two officers were hospitalised as police spent hours trying to seperate an anti-immigration rally, organised by March for Australia, from a counter anti-racism protest, dubbed “United Against Racism: Migrants and Refugees Are Welcome”, in the CBD on Sunday.

Victoria police Supt Wayne Cheesman on Sunday said the counter-protesters were “desperately” trying to reach the anti-immigration rally and confront those assembled, with officers using flash bangs, pepper spray and rubber bullets to keep the groups apart.

The counter-protesters, he said, pelted offi

See Full Page