State opposition leader John Pesutto has stated how he would handle the violent protests in the CBD is he was Premier.

It comes after the current Premier Jacinta Allan said protesters who threaten police officers would be “dealt with”, with 37 subsequent arrests made by police.

“I wouldn’t just rely on weasel words from the Premier, it’s all well and good to talk a big game,” Pesutto told Tom Elliott on 3AW Mornings.

Press PLAY to hear how we would differ from Jacinta Allan

The Premier’s office then released the following statement off the back of the interview:

“We have backed the Victoria Police response. Police have been given special powers for this event and they won’t hesitate to use them to keep people safe.”

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Images: Asanka Ratnayake and Darrian Traynor/Getty