Victoria ‘Invasion Day’ rallies take place outside Parliament house; Share the Spirit festival to be held at Treasury Gardens

A Victoria Police spokesperson said the force was well-prepared for the rallies and had been engaging with protest organisers. No intelligence currently suggested a heightened risk of violence.

“Victoria Police will not tolerate anyone intent on causing unruly, anti-social behaviour,” the spokesperson said.

However, general duties officers will wear helmets as “an additional layer of protection to ensure the safety of our frontline police”.

They will also be supported by the mounted branch, highway patrol, public order response team, transit police and PSOs.

“There will be a highly visible police presence throughout the CBD, with a number of traffic management points in place,” the spokesperson said.

The introduction of helmets comes after a trial late last year and is part of a broader attempt to improve police safety at high-risk events and in unpredictable crowd environments.

In October, rocks, glass and rotten fruit were thrown at officers during violent scuffles as they sought to keep order at a March for Australia rally and a counter-protest.

Police have not made a weapons search declaration for Melbourne’s CBD on Monday.