And under laws set to be introduced to State Parliament this week, Victoria Police will get permanent powers to slap potty-mouthed perpetrators with on-the-spot fines of up to $240 for using language deemed to be indecent, disorderly, offensive or threatening.

The crackdown — which extends the Baillieu government's ever-growing law-and-order agenda — means police will be able to issue infringement notices for offensive behaviour and indecent language similar to parking and speeding fines.

Attorney-General Robert Clark said the idea was to lower the police workload by allowing them to issue fines instead of tackling bad language using the court system.

"It frees up police time for other law enforcement activities and enables them to more readily issue penalties against those offenders who deserve them," Mr Clark said.

"By providing police with as many enforcement tools as possible, Parliament is sending a strong signal that people who engage in criminal behaviour can expect to be dealt with under the law."

Offensive language has been an offence in Victoria since 1966. Swearing — if it is deemed serious enough — can carry a penalty of up to two years' jail, and is even considered an offence if no one is present to hear it.

The new laws for indecent language will carry a fine of two-penalty units, equivalent to about $238.90.
Mr Clark said the laws would also allow police to issue infringement notices to people who commit "offensive behaviour" or to people who are "drunk, quarrel or violent", who refuse to leave a pub or club when asked to go and for allowing the unauthorised consumption of alcohol on a "party bus".

The move follows a three-tier trial that was previously due to end on June 30 but will now be made permanent.

The latest crackdown on anti-social behaviour follows a move to introduce mandatory minimum jail terms for youths aged 16 and 17 convicted of violent offences, despite concern among the legal profession.

Shadow attorney-general Martin Pakula said Labor would not oppose the bill because it had introduced the trial in 2008.