Victoria to follow NSW in giving police new powers to stop protests in wake of Bondi terror attack

Police with semi-automatic rifles will be deployed at Boxing Day Test but commissioner says this move is not based on a specific new threat'

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Victoria's police chief will be given sweeping powers to shut down or move on protests in the aftermath of terrorist events, while officers carrying rifles will be deployed to the Boxing Day Test following the Bondi terror attack.

Jacinta Allan on Monday announced Victoria will follow New South Wales by introducing legislation to parliament next year granting the police commissioner the power to stop or move on a public protest within a certain time following a designated terrorist event".