Nasty groups could be banned from protests

Victorian police could soon be armed with powers to prevent individuals or groups from entering designated areas after a Melbourne rally on the weekend turned violent.

The increased powers follow a meeting between new Police Minister Lisa Neville and Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton on Monday afternoon.

Despite pressure to reinstate broad anti-protest "move on" laws that were previously repealed by the government, Ms Neville said that would not be the most effective response to the ugly clashes.

Instead, she said the government will examine introducing laws against wearing face coverings at protests, enabling police to block individuals or groups with violent intent from entering designated areas and stronger penalties against those who commit violent acts at public events.