Lead

A One Nation fundraising event in Melbourne was relocated to an undisclosed location on Friday after the original venue cancelled the booking amid concerns about planned protests. The event, which was to feature party leader Pauline Hanson and MP Barnaby Joyce, ultimately went ahead at a different venue, where police reported minor incidents.

Coverage comparison

Reports from ABC Australia and Guardian Australia described the sequence of events leading to the relocation. The fundraiser was originally scheduled at Giorgio Casa, an Italian restaurant in Moonee Ponds. A One Nation spokesperson told Guardian Australia that Victorian police had expressed concern about protest activity, prompting the move. However, the venue had already decided not to hold the event, according to police statements cited in the same report. The party told ABC Australia that the decision was based on advice from Victoria Police and the Australian Federal Police.

Hundreds of protesters had gathered at a One Nation event in Perth days earlier, where Hanson was speaking, according to ABC Australia. That event was held at a cafe in Midland, an eastern suburb of Perth, and drew a sizeable police presence.

Key claims

  • The fundraiser was moved from Giorgio Casa in Moonee Ponds to an undisclosed location after the venue cancelled the booking, citing safety concerns over planned counter-protests.
  • Police expressed concern about protest activity, and officers maintained a presence at both the original and new locations.
  • The event was reported as sold out, though exact attendance numbers were not confirmed.
  • Protest groups included the Campaign Against Racism and Fascism, which called for a demonstration.
  • Moonee Valley City Council warned the public to avoid the area during the protest.
  • Outside the new venue, a man was given a move-on notice by police. The man was later identified as Michael Nelson, described as a neo-Nazi, who was detained and moved on for breach of the peace.
  • Hanson claimed the venue change was due to high demand, saying, "We had too many bookings, people wanting to come," and denying that protesters deterred her.
  • Hanson stated she would work with the Coalition to oust the Labor government, saying, "I will work with anyone who is prepared to get rid of them."

Perspectives

One Nation

Pauline Hanson maintained that the relocation was not protest-related, attributing it to overwhelming demand. She also reiterated her commitment to working with the Coalition to remove the Labor government, describing Victoria as "a state that needs change."

Protest Organisers

Omar Hassan, a spokesperson for the Victorian Socialists and Campaign Against Racism and Fascism, said the group wanted to express that One Nation was "not welcome in Melbourne." He affirmed that "the fight against One Nation and everything they stand for will continue."

Victorian Opposition

Victorian opposition leader Jess Wilson said Hanson had not approached her and declined to specify whether her party would consider preference deals with One Nation, noting that such conversations "happen much closer to the time" of the election.

Federal Government

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen dismissed One Nation's appeal, saying, "One Nation has anger, but not answers. One Nation has slogans, but not solutions," and emphasised the government's provision of "answers and solutions and real change."