A former Victorian Labor minister has dismantled a key claim Premier Jacinta Allan used to dismiss growing concern about the impact weekly protests are having on Melbourne’s CBD.

Premier Allan dismissed the suggestion Melbourne had “lost its way” on Thursday, telling reporters the violent protest that occurred last Sunday was not the norm and Victoria Police had dealt with those involved.

Sky News Australia’s Georgie Dickerson pointed out the problem wasn’t just the violence but the impact two years of protests have had on local businesses.

Premier Allan denied such an issue existed.

“The data shows us that more and more people are continuing to come into the CBD every weekend,” Ms Allan said.

“The foot traffic counts that are undertaken by the City of Melbourne and by the Department

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