New mask restrictions and expanded weapon search powers will be put to the test as police prepare for possible clashes between anti-immigration demonstrators and counter-protesters.
Melbourne's CBD will see a heavy police presence on Sunday, as protesters take to the streets on the same day the Metro Tunnel officially opens.
Victoria Police Superintendent Troy Papworth expects thousands to attend the protest, warning that officers will remain on high alert for any potential threats.
It is also expected that the UK's controversial far-right campaigner Stephen Christopher Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, will speak at the anti-immigration rally remotely.
The protests will also mark the first test of new laws allowing police to order protesters to remove masks if they are committing, or about to commit, a criminal offence.
"There are fines if (protesters) don't remove their masks. If they put their mask straight back on again, that's an offence," Supt Papworth said.
"If the offence is continuing, then we can take that person into custody and remove them from the area."
Police will also be given expanded weapon search powers, which allows officers to search and seize weapons without a warrant.
He said the powers allow officers to establish designated areas where police can search people as they pass through.
It comes after counter-protesters clashed with police during a similar demonstration on October 19.
Police were confronted by protesters hurling rocks, bottles, broken glass and rotten fruit, with two officers taken to hospital.
A female sergeant whose hand was broken and a male senior constable whose leg was gashed have since returned to work.
"The counter-protest group has targeted police before and has been violent towards police before. We've seen that play out on the 19th of October," Supt Papworth told reporters on Friday.
"You've heard from police on that day how fed up we were with the behaviour of aspects of the protest crowd on that day and the violence they displayed towards police and the community."
At least three people have been charged following the October protests, including a 21-year-old man and 56-year-old man.
The pair were bailed to appear before court in May.
Investigators are trying to identify other alleged offenders, releasing images of six more people they want to speak with, many wearing masks.
Supt Papworth warned that there will be zero tolerance for violence during this weekend's protests.
"I am frustrated by having to keep coming back and keep asking people to behave at a protest," he said.
"I want to make it perfectly clear that if you come out and do this, you're not going to get away, you're going to get caught."
