Protesters continued to march through Melbourne's CBD on Thursday, the second day of demonstrations against the biennial Army International Land Expo.
The three-day event attracts hundreds of defense and weapons companies from around the world and serves as a trade show for the defense industry.
Police on Thursday extended the exclusion zone outside the Expo site and placed water-filled bollards on the northern section of the Spencer Street Bridge leading into the CBD.
Protesters who were cut off from the venue instead marched down Flinders Street in the CBD, holding placards and shouting calls for an arms embargo.
Another group of protesters gathered on Bourke Street on Thursday afternoon, shouting pro-Palestinian chants outside the Australian headquarters of South Korean company Hanwha Defense.
The federal government awarded the company a $10 billion defense contract last year, about $1 billion of which was subcontracted to Israeli-based defense company Elbit Systems.
Protesters marched through busy central business district streets Thursday morning, disrupting traffic. (ABC News)
Tight security remained in place around the Army Expo as police checkpoints checked attendees' IDs and luggage.
Several participants said they were disgusted by the actions of Wednesday's protesters.
One woman said: “It's horrible. They should be held accountable for what they did.”
Another attendee said: “I thought the violence yesterday was really bad. The police were there to protect the people and 24 of them were injured.”
One demonstrator, whose bag was searched by police, said he felt his right to protest was under attack.
Another said: “The real weapons are in the police and the convention center. We don't want them anywhere in this country or the world.”
Police searched attendees entering the expo. (ABC News: Stephanie Ferrier)
More arrests in Wednesday's violent clashes
Victoria Police said in a statement that it was “pleased to see a largely peaceful protest” on Thursday.
A spokesperson said five people were arrested near the event.
One of those arrested was in possession of a prohibited weapon and the other was in possession of a flick knife.
A police spokesperson said: “Members also seized a bottle of red paint, marbles and a bag containing pebbles which were used as obstacles for police horses.”
“At this time, there are no injuries to police or protesters today.”
The protest outside MCEC on Wednesday came after a violent day in which more than 1,000 protesters set fires near the venue, blocked traffic and clashed with police.
Most of the demonstrators were from pro-Palestinian and anti-war groups and held placards calling for an end to the armed conflict in Gaza.
Police arrested 42 protesters on Wednesday on various charges including assault, arson and blocking roads.
Police said 27 Victoria and Interstate police officers required medical treatment following the protests.
Police stopped many demonstrators and had their bags searched. (ABC News: Natalie Whiting)
Government considers strengthening police powers
The actions of demonstrators on Wednesday were criticized by both Police Commissioner Shane Patton and Premier Jacinta Allan, who said some demonstrators had acted “disgracefully”.
“What we saw yesterday was a small number of people who did not come with the intention of peacefully protesting,” Alan said.
“If you come to protest with stones, bottles of urine or balloons, your motives will be exposed.”
Police Minister Anthony Carvins said the government would consider increasing powers in designated areas.
Currently, the police chief has the power to designate areas, which gives police the power to search people without a warrant for short periods of time.
“We were able to use these powers in designated areas and it was very effective,” Carvins said.
“But I think we also need to look at how do we have designated areas where we can go back more often, stay longer and use that power more effectively.”
Dozens of police officers were stationed around the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Center. (ABC News: Stephanie Ferrier)
Police deployed non-lethal ammunition and OC spray during clashes with demonstrators, prompting calls from legal groups and Victoria's Green Party for scrutiny of police powers during protests.
Victoria Police Association secretary Wayne Gatto said in an interview with ABC Radio Melbourne that he was not opposed to an independent investigation.
“We're used to accountability. I'm used to having independent bodies investigating the police…The police aren't going to find anything that doesn't satisfy me,” he said. .
He said the officers he spoke to were “shocked by the level of violence they faced” and supported their response.
“(Police officers) have basic tools to protect themselves and others in the community from violent acts,” Gatto said.
“They're not going to stand there and punch a punching bag… Ordinary Australians wouldn't expect them to do that.”
