The Victorian government is considering amending laws in response to Nazi salutes performed at Parliament rallies. 

Over the weekend, protesters were shown imitating Nazi salutes outside Victoria's parliament, sparking clashes between rival groups. 

The men who performed the salutes had gathered in support of British anti-transgender activist Posie Parker, who was speaking at the demonstration. 

Several groups converged on Parliament House, including supporters of Ms Parker, people displaying anti-vaccine slogans, and a large counter-rally in support of trans rights. 

One group of men, including many masked and dressed in black, performed the salute several times while being separated by police from a group of counter-protesters.

Victoria is already the first jurisdiction in Australia to ban the Nazi swastika, with those who defy the ban facing jail terms and hefty fines. However, this legislation did not include the Nazi salute, also known as the Sieg Heil. 

Federal Labor MP Josh Burns called for the salute to be banned and said “history shows that we need to be very careful and call out this behaviour”.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews condemned the actions of the demonstrators on Twitter, saying Nazis were not welcome in Victoria and trans rights were not negotiable. 

Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan described the salute by the demonstrators as “disgraceful” and said it had no place in Victoria. 

Multicultural Affairs Minister Colin Brooks said the government would not rush in to ban the salute but would consider whether such a move would be effective.

The Chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission, Dvir Abramovich, welcomed the commitment from the government to investigate strengthening the laws. 

He said the state needed to “send a very clear message that neo-Nazism will never find a refuge and safe haven in Victoria”. 

Opposition spokesman David Southwick said his party would work with the government to ensure police had the power and resources to prevent a repeat of the episode.

Many who were there to support trans rights expressed disappointment and anger on social media at the role of police, who were seen holding the counter-protesters back while allowing the saluting men to walk past Parliament House. 

Police association Secretary Wayne Gatt said police officers would have been “disgusted” at the actions of the men performing the salute but were required to protect them from counter-protesters. 

Victoria Police said officers arrested three people during the protests, which a spokesperson said involved at least six distinct groups.