Police have separated two opposing groups of protesters that were close to converging in Melbourne CBD, as thousands have descended on the streets for a mammoth day of demonstrations.
Four protests, including the Indigenous Sovereignty March and the Australia Unites and Save Australia rallies, kicked off late this morning.
A line of officers stood prepared to stop two groups from clashing near Parliament House this afternoon, after violent scenes between March for Australia and pro-Palestine protesters late last month.
Crowds have begun to disperse, but The Age is now reporting a clash between opposing protesters at the intersection of Bourke and Swanston Street.
The protesters are demonstrating against several issues, including the government, mass migration and racism.
There are dozens of people in the crowd flying the Australian flag, while others fly the Aboriginal flag.
There are also Indigenous elders leading the First Nations rally.
There is an unprecedented number of protests happening in Melbourne this weekend, with another two tomorrow.
Police have been granted additional powers allowing them to conduct weapon searches and direct individuals to remove face coverings until 8pm tomorrow.
They can also force any offenders out of the city.
Extra police officers have been deployed in the city’s centre as officials fear that the demonstrations could escalate into violence on the streets.
Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Nick Reece was frustrated over the decision to allow so many protests to go ahead, stating that locals, as well as himself, are “fed up.”
“Melbourne is starting to look like a bar scene from Star Wars, and enough is enough,” he told Weekend Today.
Those heading into the city are urged to reconsider their travel plans as significant traffic disruptions are set for this weekend.
There are similar protests happening in most major cities across Australia today.
Indigenous Sovereignty March, Australia Unites and Save Australia are holding rallies in most major cities across the country today.
A remigration rally is also taking place in the Sydney CBD.
