A spokesperson for Pauline Hanson’s One Nation has confirmed that the party’s planned fundraising event in Melbourne has been relocated to an undisclosed venue after the original restaurant cancelled at the eleventh hour due to concerns over planned protest activity.
Fundraiser Moved After Venue Cancellation
The event, which was scheduled to take place at Giorgio Casa, a bistro in Moonee Ponds, was set to feature One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce. However, the venue decided not to host the fundraiser following expressions of concern from Victoria Police about possible protests.
A party spokesperson told Guardian Australia on Friday that the event would be moved, adding that it was “sold out,” though the number of expected attendees was not disclosed.
Police Response and Protests
Victoria Police stated that officers were not aware of any specific threats made toward the event and that the decision to cancel was made solely by the venue. They confirmed they were aware the event would no longer be held at the Moonee Ponds location but said police would maintain a presence in the area due to potential protest activity.
Several groups had planned to protest the fundraiser, including the Campaign Against Racism and Fascism, which called on Victorians to “fight back.” The Victorian Socialists and Campaign Against Racism and Fascism confirmed they would proceed with their demonstration in the area tonight.
Omar Hassan, a spokesperson for Victorian Socialists, stated that if Hanson and Joyce did not appear, the group would claim it as a victory. “We will be taking our chance to mobilise strongly and let the world know that a party bought and paid for by Gina Rinehart, which votes against wage rises, supports devastating wars overseas and bigotry at home, is not welcome in Melbourne,” Hassan said.
Council Warning and Previous Incident
The Moonee Ponds city council warned locals not to attend the area in a social media post on Friday, noting that Victoria Police had advised of planned protests and that officers would be present. Temporary road closures of up to four hours were also announced.
This follows a similar incident in Perth on Wednesday, where a One Nation event attended by Hanson was met by hundreds of protesters who reportedly shouted, “Pauline Hanson go to hell, take your racists there as well.”
