The financial burden of policing prolonged pro-Palestinian protests in Melbourne has skyrocketed, with new figures revealing an astonishing $25.6 million cost to Victorian taxpayers.
Victoria Police has been forced to deploy massive resources over several months to manage ongoing demonstrations, with the bill continuing to grow daily. The revelation comes amid increasing pressure on state budgets and questions about the sustainability of such extensive policing operations.
Staggering Operational Costs
According to official data, the policing operation has consumed over 63,000 operational hours since the protests began. This includes thousands of hours of overtime payments to officers who have been managing the large-scale demonstrations that have frequently brought parts of the city to a standstill.
The protests, which began in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict, have seen regular gatherings outside Victorian Parliament and other significant locations across the CBD. Police have maintained a constant presence to ensure public safety and maintain order.
Resource Drain on Victoria Police
A Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed the enormous financial impact, stating: "The significant and ongoing nature of these protests has required a substantial policing response to ensure public safety and prevent violence or disruption."
The costs include not only officer wages but also equipment, transportation, and administrative support required to coordinate the complex security operations. The figure is expected to rise further as protests continue with no immediate end in sight.
Political and Community Reaction
The revelation has sparked debate among policymakers and community leaders about the balance between the right to protest and the financial implications for taxpayers. Some are questioning whether protest organisers should contribute to the costs of policing their events.
Community groups have expressed concern about the growing financial burden, while protest organisers maintain their right to peaceful demonstration. The situation highlights the challenging balance between facilitating free speech and managing public resources effectively.
As the conflict in Gaza continues, authorities are preparing for potentially ongoing demonstrations, suggesting the final cost to taxpayers may be substantially higher than the current $25.6 million figure.
