Jewish groups disappointed after mask ban watered down

The Victorian Jewish community has expressed disappointment after the Allan Government significantly weakened its promised protest mask ban.

New legislation will allow masked protesters to continue attending demonstrations unless police suspect criminal activity.

The Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) and Zionism Victoria thanked the government for consultation on protest law reforms but criticised the diluted masking provisions that fall short of initial promises.

“What was promised as a clear, strong measure has been watered down into uncertainty,” said Zionism Victoria President Elyse Schachna.

Under the proposed changes, protesters can still conceal their identity. Police will only be able to direct mask removal if they reasonably suspect a criminal offence, with broad exemptions remaining for various claimed reasons.

JCCV CEO Naomi Levin said the mask proposal was “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,” she said.

The organisations welcomed other aspects of the reforms, including consistency between Commonwealth and state law regarding publicly supporting banned terrorist organisations and protections for religious worshippers from intimidation, harassment and obstruction.

Shadow Minister for Police David Southwick accused the government of breaking promises, saying the “so-called mask ban has more holes than Swiss cheese.”

“This proves the Allan Government is more interested in managing internal Labor politics and legal fears than keeping Victorians safe,” Mr Southwick said.

Zionist Federation of Australia president Jeremy Leibler said he was “deeply disappointed,” noting the proposal was “much narrower than what was promised” and unlikely to achieve its intended purpose.

Police Association secretary Wayne Gatt told the Herald Sun that if members have to “ask protesters nicely” to remove masks, the legislation should be renamed the “pretty please” bill.

“We don’t think it will make a significant difference to the protest environment our members work in,” he said.

Premier Jacinta Allan defended the changes following a lengthy cabinet meeting, claiming the proposal was a ban in practice while conceding that “a complete ban has a very high likelihood of being challenged.”