The Victorian government will consider banning the Nazi salute after white supremacists hijack a far-right protest on the steps of state parliament.
There has also been criticism of the role of the Victoria Police, which has refused to explain why the neo-Nazis were not arrested.
Neo-Nazis came in support of an anti-trans rights speaker.
That group was met with a counter-protest, as trans supporters became the target.
Natalie Feliks said the police failed her.
“They were very protective of the Nazis, allowing them to make their signals… calling for the mass murder of a whole group of people, if it’s not illegal in Australia it should be,” he said.
Dvir Abramovich of the Anti-Defamation Commission called on Prime Minister Daniel Andrews to take action.
“It’s hard to believe that these hardcore white supremacists who would like nothing more than to push people like me into the gas chambers have the law on their side,” Abramovich said.
Andrews responded in a tweet, saying: “Nazis are not welcome. Not on the steps of Parliament. Not anywhere.”
“So to all trans Victorians I say this: our government will always support you,” he said.
“And we will always respect you. Because your rights are non-negotiable.”
Deputy Prime Minister Jacinta Allen said the attorney general and the corresponding minister “will be looking at what additional steps could be taken.”
The Liberal Party is backing a change in legislation, as well as backing one of its own members who attended the anti-trans talk.
Upper House MP Moira Deeming smiled in selfies with a controversial speaker.
“Her views are not my views and I don’t think of the Liberal Party or the mainstream Victorian majority, but she is entitled to her views,” said deputy leader David Southwick.
The police have the power to act on those who disturb the peace and can arrest for offensive behavior or incitement.
The force says its focus yesterday was “stopping breaches of the peace and preventing any physical violence.”
The police would not accept criticism that the officers allowed the Nazi display.
He says detectives will now review the footage to determine if criminal charges can be filed.