A scuffle has broken out between opposing groups of protesters in Melbourne CBD, as crowds of thousands begin to disperse after a mammoth day of demonstrations.
Four protests, including the Indigenous Sovereignty March, Rally Against Racism, and the anti-government Save Australia and Australia Unites rallies, kicked off late this morning and continued into the afternoon.
Footage showed growing tension between anti-racism and anti-government protesters, who were heard shouting at each other.
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A small scuffle broke out, and police swarmed in, deploying capsicum spray, according to The Age.
The crowds, some of which flew the Australian flag while others flew the Aboriginal flag, have since begun to disperse.
Hundreds of police lined the city streets today in anticipation of clashes, after violent scenes between March for Australia and pro-Palestine protesters late last month.
A barricade of officers blocked two protests from converging near Parliament House earlier this afternoon.
There have been no reports of any major clashes or injuries so far.
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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.
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