STATEMENT FROM MINISTER FOR POLICE WADE NOONAN

The State Government was notified this month that Victoria Police would lead a joint-agency operation this weekend in the CBD aimed at keeping Victorians safe.

We were advised it would target anti-social behaviour and commuters to ensure people got home safely. The community's safety and wellbeing is always the government's priority.

Operation Fortitude was intended to be a standard police operation.

We fully support the decision by Victoria Police to cancel the operation after the unfortunate and inappropriate characterisation by the Australian Border Force today.