Protesters clashed with supporters of Pauline Hanson outside a One Nation fundraiser in Melbourne on Friday, with police issuing a move-on notice to one man. The man, identified as Michael Nelson, was restrained by officers outside the South Melbourne venue. Nelson was convicted of offensive behaviour last week for disrupting an Anzac Day dawn service.
Victoria Police confirmed no formal arrests were made, but a 22-year-old man was directed to move on. The fundraiser had been relocated after the original venue, an Italian restaurant in Moonee Ponds, cancelled the booking due to safety concerns over planned counter-protests by anti-fascist and socialist groups.
Hanson claimed the venue change was due to high demand, not protests. 'We had too many bookings, people wanting to come,' she said. About 30 protesters gathered near the new location, with police maintaining a visible presence. The event concluded without major escalation, though CCTV footage will be reviewed.
Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen criticised One Nation, stating, 'One Nation has anger, but not answers. One Nation has slogans, but not solutions.' He warned that a coalition involving Hanson and former National MP Barnaby Joyce would lead to chaos, contrasting it with a stable government under Anthony Albanese.
