The Victorian Government will today introduce chilling new laws to restrict the ability of Victorians to freely spend time together.

The proposed laws, the detail of which has not been revealed by the Government, would give Victoria Police the power to issue ‘anti-association’ notices to children as young as 14.



Community groups from across Victoria—including the Federation of Community Legal Centres, Human Rights Law Centre, Victorian Council of Social Service and Fitzroy Legal Service—are calling for the laws to be abandoned.



Melanie Poole, Director of Engagement at the Federation of Community Legal Centres, said they represent dangerous overreach by the Victorian Government.



“People should be free to have a BBQ, go to the movies, talk online, play football or socialise with whoever they choose,” said Poole.

“If introduced, these unfair laws will affect the freedom of all Victorians.”



“These laws will introduce ‘guilt by association’ into Victoria,” added Poole.

Similar laws were introduced in NSW in 2016. They were investigated by that state’s Ombudsman and found to be used in a racially discriminatory way. They were also challenged in the High Court.