Victorian Government rejects protest face mask ban

The Victorian government has voted down an Opposition bill to ban face masks at protests.

This is despite Premier Jacinta Allan’s promise 240 days ago to introduce such measures following escalating violence and community safety concerns.

Liberal MP David Southwick, shadow minister for police and crime prevention and member for Caulfield, accused the Premier of breaking her promise after Labor rejected the Opposition’s proposal to immediately implement the ban during Tuesday’s parliamentary session.

“We have a Premier that 240 days ago said she would bring in stronger protest powers. Where are they?” Southwick told Parliament.

“Victorians are sick of words. They want action.”