Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan lashed out at protesters planning to riot at Melbourne Park during Sunday's Australian Open men's singles final, calling such plots “disgusting”.
Allan told Australia Day protesters to avoid Melbourne Park on January 26 and also said police would be prepared to deal with any anti-social behaviour.
“Targeting the Australian Open would be a disgusting act,” the Prime Minister said.
While admitting Australia Day can be a “difficult day” for some citizens, Allan added that any problems at the tennis tournament would “really break the public's patience”.
Protest organizers say they have no plans to disrupt the final day of the Australian Open, despite reports emerging during the week that the protests had threatened to cause disruption to tennis.
One of the organizers of the Australia Day rally, Tarneen Onus Browne, said the claims were not true and the march would follow the route it has used for the past 10 years.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has branded any attempt to plan Australia Day protests at this Sunday's Australian Open men's singles final as “disgusting”.
Allan urged protesters not to converge on Melbourne Park for the final day, adding that any problems during the final day of the tournament would “really break the public's patience”.
More than 30,000 protesters are expected to converge on Melbourne this Sunday to protest on January 26.
He added that misinformation about where the protests were planning to move “causes further harm and distress to communities,” according to alphabet.
Police say separate pro-Australia Day protests are planned in areas near Melbourne Park.
“Police have been in contact with the organizers of the event and have provided them with information about their plans,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
Allan said police would be operationally equipped to deal with large protests.
'Let's be clear: Victoria Police is operationally prepared. “They will be there in large numbers,” the Prime Minister said.
“No one should use that right to peacefully protest and enter with the intent to provoke violence.”
Tennis Australia said it supports the right of citizens to peacefully protest in Australia. But the organization added that they would work together with the police to stop the disruption of the tournament.
“While there is a place for peaceful protest in society, any activity intended to disrupt the tournament or impact fans' enjoyment of the event will be managed in accordance with the AO25 ticket terms and conditions,” Tennis Australia said in a statement. a statement.
Allan said Victoria Police were well prepared to deal with the protests. A police spokesman said officers will be “highly visible in the area.”
Tennis Australia added that they will work with police to ensure everything goes well on Sunday.
There are concerns that more than 30,000 people could take to the streets in the Victorian capital, as business owners prepare for major disruption around the CBD.
Victoria Police have been preparing for the day when pro-Palestinian protesters could also be seen marching through the city.
“Victoria Police are aware of a planned protest outside Melbourne Park on January 26,” Victoria Police said.
“Officers will be very visible in the area that day.”
Meanwhile, Ms Allan called on all citizens to show respect, regardless of their stance, on Australia Day.
“I think we can all find space in our hearts to respect and understand him,” the prime minister said.
'Respect also goes both ways. We have to make sure that those who want to recognize the day in their own way have the space to do so.”
The men's final will take place on Sunday afternoon and the finalists will be decided tomorrow afternoon.
Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev will meet in the first semi-final, while Ben Shelton and Jannik Sinner will meet in the second semi-final.
It comes as Australian Open boss Craig Tiley declared the tournament will have a strong Australia Day presence on the day of the men's final.
Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley has previously stated that the tournament will have a strong presence on Australia Day on Sunday.
“I am proud of the fact that we are an event that has always been and always will be inclusive, diverse and will offer equal opportunities for all,” he said.
'You will see the welcome and recognition of the Australian of the Year, on the green and gold field, and also the Australian flag.
'We will have previous ceremonies and special guests that we are going to announce and the Australian national anthem.
“This year Australia Day falls on the last day of the event, so we anticipate having some recognition.”