Students have accused Victoria Police of using "heavy handed" tactics to control three protesters outside a Melbourne post-budget breakfast with federal Treasurer Scott Morrison.
National Union of Students education officer Anneke Demanuele said police capsicum-sprayed three people on Friday, with one needing treatment from a fellow protester trained in first-aid.
"Police were heavy handed with their capsicum spray. I do not think they should use it at protests," she told AAP on Friday.
The spraying occurred when 50 students protested for an hour outside the Crown Casino Palladium against higher education fee increases, and dropping the salary threshold to repay HECS debt.
Victoria Police said there was no violence at the protest, but capsicum spray was used when the crowd began pushing against officers as protesters tried to enter the building.
"Police do not tolerate incitement that puts members' safety in danger," police said in a statement.
"There were minor effects on one male protester in his 20s, however no arrests were made."
Protester Nicolass, who did not wish to have his surname used, said he was sprayed in the eye which left him "blinded for approximately 30 minutes".
"I believe the deployment of the capsicum spray was totally unnecessary," he told AAP on Friday.
"I was just standing in a doorway with my arms by my side to appear non-threatening. It made my eyes feel raw and I was unable to open them due to the pain."
Mr Morrison told reporters on Friday that people had the right to protest but asked it to be respectful and without putting others at risk.
Share
