The proposed masking law is not strong enough to protect us

In this era of fragmented news media and image-driven social media, it is uncommon to find a visual that really cuts through. But in October this year, Commander Wayne Cheeseman stood in his navy police uniform holding a large chunk of rock that protesters had thrown at police that day and imploringly looked down the barrel of the camera saying, “Melbourne has had a gutful”.

His anger and frustration were palpable and reflected the anger of many of us here in Victoria at violent and aggressive protesters. It cut through.

Rewind to December 17 last year and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan announced that her Government would “stamp out the influence of extreme and radical participants in public protests” by banning the flags and symbols of terrorist organisations, banning attachment devices and banning the use of face masks at protests.

Last week, the Victorian Government introduced the Justice Legislation Amendment (Police and Other Matters) Bill 2025to Parliament. At first glance, the Bill appears to strengthen protections against intimidation, hate, and extremist activity. These measures have merit. But as the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) has examined the detail, we’ve identified flaws that risk leaving loopholes wide open—or rendering enforcement virtually impossible.