More than 400 protesters were arrested during an anti-lockdown rally in central Melbourne on Tuesday.
"Victoria Police was disappointed to arrest a large number of protestors who again showed disregard for the safety of the broader community and the directions of the Chief Health Officer," a police spokesperson said in a statement.
"Officers arrested 404 people and are issuing 395 penalty notices for a range of offences including not wearing a mask, breaching public gathering directions, travelling more than 25km from their home, assaulting police and failing to state their name and address."
The spokesperson also noted a female senior sergeant was conveyed to hospital with a suspected broken arm following an arrest.
Despite restrictions easing in Melbourne almost a week ago, protesters angered by the near-four month COVID-19 lockdown gathered outside Victorian parliament earlier on Tuesday.
Police scuffle with protesters during an anti-lockdown protest in Melbourne. Source: AAP
They unfurled banners such as "Not Happy Dan" and "Free Victoria", before breaking into chants for "freedom".
An officer fell to the ground after appearing to get into a scuffle with a protester, who was then pinned to the ground and arrested.
Capsicum spray was used on the crowd, many of whom weren't wearing face masks in line with the state's COVID-19 rules.
An Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman told AAP at least one person was assessed due to the pepper spray.
Police use OC spray on protesters during an anti-lockdown protest in Melbourne. Source: AAP
Liberal Democrats MP David Limbrick, an attendee of the rally, tweeted: "Police are forcing everyone close together and won't let people leave."
Under the city's latest rules, Melburnians are allowed to protest in groups of up to 10 so long as they are within 25km of home and follow other health directions including social distancing.
"Everyone has a right to protest peacefully, as long as it is in accordance with the chief health officer directions and does not impact the rest of the community, who also have the right to go about their daily business," a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.
Protesters are seen during an anti-lockdown protest in Melbourne. Source: AAP
"Anyone coming into the city in blatant breach of the directions, or looking to disrupt others, create conflict and incite violence can expect a very firm response from police."
Health Minister Martin Foley said keeping Victoria safe and open was more important than the democratic right to protest.
"People who want to get around the rules, in smart-aleck approaches, are just asking for trouble," he told reporters on Tuesday.
"Don't protest. Now is not the time to protest. Keep safe, follow the rules and keep us open."
Shadow Police Minister David Southwick agreed, but suggested there was "confusion" over police enforcement of protests, referencing the Black Lives Matter rally in early July.
"It does seem in Victoria (there are) one set of rules for one lot of people but another set of rules when you're protesting against Daniel Andrews," the state Liberal MP told reporters.
The group behind the movement has pledged further rallies, saying protesters won't forget the more than 100 days the city spent in lockdown.
"We are not dissuaded," it said in a statement.
"We keep fighting till Daniel Andrews is gone."
