LIVE updates from Melbourne protests: Anti-war demonstrators clash with police and journalists in incendiary scenes

Deputy opposition leader Sussan Ley criticised the protesters, saying they “need to get a job”.

Ms Ley (pictured below) praised the efforts of police who were working to control the protesters.

“My thoughts are with law enforcement when they are faced with these large numbers, and our police and the people who keep us safe are distracted from all the things they need to do to address this kind of nonsense,” he said.

“It’s like we have the same crowd every time we have one of these protests. I support our defence industries every day of the week and I know Australians do too.”

More than 1,800 police, including mounted officers, are battling to contain thousands of anti-war protesters blocking Melbourne’s busiest intersection.

Detectives were called in to reinforce police numbers when protesters turned violent outside the Land Forces Defence Exhibition.

Former Melbourne councillor James Conlon said: “Thousands of protesters simply broke through the pathetic police horse line.”

“We are now blocking the intersection with the West Gate Bridge, the busiest intersection in Melbourne,” he posted on X.

A group of protesters were filmed throwing horse droppings at police officers as they tried to control a record crowd.

Victorian police officials expected about 25,000 people to attend an anti-war march in Melbourne ahead of the Land Forces Defence Exhibition this week.

Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley criticised the planned action, saying those involved “need to get a job”.