The proposed new powers came as some Moreland City councillors condemned their colleagues for voting in favour of an anti-racism rally despite police concerns about violence.

Police Minister Lisa Neville confirmed a range of new powers for police were under consideration following a meeting with Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton today.

Those talks come after violent confrontations between two extreme groups in Coburg on Saturday.

The proposed powers would target groups planning to incite violence.

The government will also consider laws prohibiting wearing masks at protests.

However, Ms Neville said reinstating "broad based and anti-worker" move-on laws was not the most effective response.

The government will also explore stronger penalties against people who commit violent acts at public events.

Earlier in the day Ms Neville told reporters any new powers for police would target people planning on carrying out violence rather than "religious coverings" worn by Muslim women.

Ms Neville said a small number of people were "causing a lot of damage".

Police may also gain the power to identify individuals or groups planning violence rather than peaceful protesting or demonstrating.

Moreland City Council acting mayor Lita​ Gillies said two weeks ago the council voted in favour of supporting a peaceful rally promoting multiculturalism, tolerance and welcoming refugees but insisted it was not a council-run event.

"This endorsement was symbolic and there was no commitment of financial resources or any authority from council to conduct the rally," she said.

Cr Gilles said the council worked closely with the police as their concerns mounted about potential violence.

But councillors who voted against endorsing the rally said they were disappointed the council did not heed police warnings.

Cr John Kavanagh was among the five councillors who opposed the rally after a senior police member briefed the council on May 9.

"Valid concerns were raised and I think any fair-minded person would have withdrawn their support for the rally," he said. "It's very rare for a member of the police at that level to come and brief us."

Cr Rob Thompson said: "If the police have indicated to us that other nefarious organisations from the left and right are going to turn up and cause mayhem, we as a council ... should ask for the event to be ceased."

Cr Helen Davidson said it was "misleading" for Cr Sue Bolton to promote the event as family friendly, when police had made it clear violence could erupt.

The anti-racism rally was organised by the Cr Sue Bolton, who did not return The Age's calls.

The event had turned out to be "counter productive", one councillor said.

"The message was lost and I actually think it undid a lot of the good work that the council does," Cr Lambros​ Tapinos​ said.

The Greens candidate for the federal seat of Wills, Samantha Ratnam​, was due to speak at the anti-racism rally on Saturday but withdrew over fears of violence. She has stepped down as Moreland's mayor to contest the upcoming election. She did not vote on the motion but supported the anti-racism rally.

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy promised to bring back "move on" laws and ban protesters masking their faces if he led the Coalition to government.

Police Association secretary Ron Iddles said "move on" powers, introduced by the Coalition but scrapped by Labor, would have given police another tool on Saturday.

He said police can move people on under current laws but demonstrations about an issue or a cause were exempt.

He also condemned the council for backing the anti-racism rally that turned ugly on the weekend.