Local councils will be forced to consult with Victoria Police before allowing protests in parks and city streets.

New laws are also set to be introduced to state parliament by the end of the year to force local councils to issue permits to groups wanting to protest.

The move is designed to avoid a repeat of a disastrous anti-racism rally in Coburg in May that was supported by the Moreland Council despite a warning from police that it was likely to result in a violent clash between the extreme left and right.

A slew of other protests over the past year have also turned ugly, amid growing concern about the impact and cost of policing such events.

Currently, there are no laws requiring groups wanting to protest in public to get a permit from local councils, nor is there any requirement to get advice from police about the potential for violence, and measures that should be undertaken to prevent it.

The Andrews government has also flagged a slew of new offences designed to stop violence flaring between rival groups of protesters, including new charges for public disorder, affray and violent disorder.

Under the changes, protesters found guilty of public disorder will face up to one year in prison, or up to two years if they attempt to cover their identify by wearing a mask.

Law and order has flared as a major issue for the Andrews government, with growing concern about assaults and gang violence.