Police began removing protesters occupying Melbourne's city square for almost a week as part of global demonstrations against economic inequality.
The action was being taken after the Melbourne City Council asked the protesters to leave, Victoria state police said in a statement on its website today.
Television images broadcast on Sky News showed scuffles breaking out between demonstrators and police as authorities moved in today.
Occupy Wall Street demonstrations, which began in New York last month, have spread to Europe, Asia and Australia in opposition to bank bailouts, public expenditure cuts, arms dealing and corporate profits.
Melbourne protesters have occupied the square in front of the Westin hotel since October 15th.
"We don't want any violence and we don't want any police officer to be injured," Victoria police superintendent Rod Wilson said in the statement.
"But we have the necessary resources and we will take action to ensure the safety of everyone in the community."