Premier walks away from promise to ban face coverings at protests

The Nationals' Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, has slammed Premier Jacinta Allan for breaking her promise to ban face coverings at protests, labelling the decision yet another sign that Labor is weak on crime and public safety.

Mr McCurdy said Victorians have had enough of violent protests and weak leadership.

“Premier Allan promised in December last year to ban face masks at protests, but nearly a year later we’re still seeing violent and disruptive demonstrations in Melbourne’s CBD,” Mr McCurdy said.

“Police are being stretched thin, small businesses are suffering, and visitors are being put at risk, all while Labor sits on its hands.”

Despite months of escalating violence and community concern, the Allan Labor Government this week rejected the Opposition’s offer to work together to make the face mask ban law.

“This Premier talks tough but fails to follow through. Victorians deserve a government that keeps its word and stands up for law and order,” Mr McCurdy said.

A Nationals' and Liberals Government will deliver where Labor has failed.

“We will ban face coverings at protests, introduce a Protest Registration System, and reinstate Move-On Powers to give police the tools they need to keep our community safe,” Mr McCurdy said.

“Enough is enough, it’s time for action, not excuses.”

Labor can't manage crime, and Victorians are paying the price.