Australian actor Alicia Gardiner faces dropped assault charges after Parliament House protest
Consensus Summary
Australian actor Alicia Gardiner faced assault charges after allegedly twisting a parliamentary worker’s breast during a pro-Palestinian protest at Melbourne’s Parliament House on May 7, 2024. The incident occurred as protesters, including Gardiner, were removed from the public gallery after disrupting a speech by then-Treasurer Tim Pallas. Both sources confirm Gardiner denied the allegations and was set to testify at a hearing on April 22, 2026, before prosecutors unexpectedly dropped the charges without explanation. She pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of refusing to leave the precinct and was fined $500 without conviction. While NEWSCOMAU reported police footage was shown in court, ABC clarified the specific breast-grabbing was not recorded. Gardiner, known for her role in *Offspring*, maintained her innocence and vowed to continue advocating for her causes.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Alicia Gardiner is accused of twisting a woman’s breast during a pro-Palestinian protest at Parliament House in Melbourne on May 7, 2024.
- The incident occurred after protesters were escorted out of the public gallery during a speech by then-Treasurer Tim Pallas.
- Gardiner was due to give evidence at a Melbourne Magistrates’ Court hearing on April 22, 2026, before charges were dropped.
- Gardiner pleaded guilty to refusing to leave the parliamentary precinct and was fined $500 without conviction.
- The alleged victim, a parliamentary worker, described feeling a 'sharp pain' and stated Gardiner 'twisted my breast' during the scuffle.
- Gardiner is known for her role as Kim Akerholt in the Australian TV series *Offspring*.
- The hearing was presided over by Magistrate Malcolm Thomas.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Body-worn camera footage from police officers was played in court, showing protesters chanting 'free free Palestine' and 'from the river to the sea' as they were escorted out.
- A witness described pushing back a woman in blue (alleged to be Gardiner) as she attempted to enter the chamber before seeing her 'tussle' with his colleague.
- Gardiner’s lawyer, Angeline Centrone, argued that contact was accidental and occurred when Gardiner put her hands up to brace herself amid a 'crush'.
- The hearing was ongoing before charges were dropped.
- The alleged breast-grabbing incident was not captured on camera, according to court testimony.
- Gardiner held back tears upon learning the charges were dropped and refused to answer reporters' questions before leaving with supporters.
- Gardiner read a statement outside court, saying she denied the assault allegations since being charged and would continue speaking up for her beliefs.
- Defence barrister Angeline Centrone highlighted Gardiner’s 'great integrity,' generosity, and volunteer work, noting she had no prior criminal history.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- NEWSCOMAU states body-worn camera footage was played in court showing the incident, while ABC reports the alleged breast-grabbing was not captured on camera.
- NEWSCOMAU implies the scuffle involved Gardiner attempting to enter the legislative chamber, while ABC frames it as occurring while protesters were being escorted to the exit.
Source Articles
Aussie actor accused of breast twist assault
An Australian actor is set to testify as a court hears an allegation that she assaulted a Parliament House staff member.
Assault charges against Offspring actor Alicia Gardiner dropped
The actor was accused of "breaking the girl code" by grabbing the breast of a staffer at Parliament House in Melbourne during a pro-Palestine demonstration two years ago.