Sydney police will this week be handed tough new powers to prevent further race-related violence, amid growing concern that the city’s rioting is damaging Australia’s image overseas.

New South Wales’ state parliament, which oversees the Sydney region, will be recalled on Thursday to pass new laws which will allow police to shut down areas, close liquor shops and hotels, and search and confiscate cars. The police presence was also quadrupled on Tuesday evening to 450 in areas worst affected by the violence.