Jacinta Allan blames ‘very small number’ of counter-protesters for violence at Melbourne immigration rally

Victorian premier insists city is safe and police have necessary powers after two officers hospitalised on Sunday

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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.