One Nation fundraiser moved in Melbourne due to protest threats
Consensus Summary
One Nation’s Melbourne fundraising event, featuring Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce, was moved from Giorgio Casa in Moonee Ponds to an undisclosed location after the venue canceled due to planned protests. Victoria Police confirmed no threats were made but maintained a presence in the area. Protest groups like the Campaign Against Racism & Fascism and Victorian Socialists organized demonstrations, while Moonee Valley City Council warned locals to avoid the area. The event was part of a broader pattern of protests against One Nation, including a recent Perth gathering. Joyce criticized the situation, comparing it to AFL supporters mingling peacefully, while anti-racism activists framed the cancellation as a victory against hate speech. The incident reflects ongoing political tensions in Melbourne, where One Nation has faced significant opposition since its founding.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- One Nation moved a fundraising event from Giorgio Casa, an Italian restaurant in Moonee Ponds, Melbourne, to an undisclosed location due to planned protest activity
- The event was scheduled to feature One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and MP Barnaby Joyce
- Victoria Police confirmed they were not aware of any threats made towards the event, and the decision to cancel was made by the venue
- Victoria Police stated they would maintain a presence in the Moonee Ponds area due to potential protest activity
- The Campaign Against Racism & Fascism and Victorian Socialists were among groups planning protests against the event
- Moonee Valley City Council warned locals to avoid the area due to planned protests and temporary road closures for up to four hours
- A One Nation event in Perth on Wednesday was also met with hundreds of protesters
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- One Nation spokesperson said the event was 'sold out' but did not confirm attendance numbers
- The Australian federal police referred inquiries to state police
- The Moonee Ponds city council warned locals via social media on Friday
- The article includes unrelated updates on Socceroos, refugee resettlement, and other news
- Barnaby Joyce called the situation 'disgraceful' and accused the left of stifling political discussion on 3AW
- Omar Hassan, Victorian Socialist spokesperson, said One Nation was 'not welcome in Melbourne'
- Joyce compared political discussion to AFL supporters mingling in pubs, saying 'why can’t we have a political event in Melbourne?'
- Polling mentioned One Nation on track to win many seats in the November election
- Barnaby Joyce said, 'I’m hoping I’ve arrived at Melbourne, not Pyongyang'
- Moonee Valley City Mayor Rose Iser said the suburb has welcomed generations of immigrants and 'this particular brand of hate and division is not welcome'
- The article references violent protests at One Nation’s 1997 launch in Dandenong and 1996 anti-immigration rallies in Melbourne
- A spokesman for Giorgio Casa confirmed the cancellation letter appeared and then disappeared in the venue window
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The Guardian and ABC say Victoria Police were not aware of threats, but The Age does not explicitly contradict this, only states police were not aware of threats made against the venue
- The Guardian and ABC mention One Nation’s Perth event had hundreds of protesters, but The Age says hundreds protested in Perth with a small group of counter-protesters
Source Articles
One Nation fundraiser moved from Melbourne restaurant amid planned protests
Event to go ahead at an undisclosed location after Moonee Ponds restaurant cancelled at the eleventh hour Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast One Nation has been forced to move a planned fundraising event to an undisclosed location in Melbourne, after the venue decided not to hold it due to planned protest activity. The event was due to be attended by One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce. A spokesperson
Breaking: One Nation's Melbourne fundraiser moved over protest concerns
A One Nation fundraiser in Melbourne has been moved to an undisclosed location after several protest groups vowed to demonstrate outside, the party says.
Afternoon Update: One Nation moves fundraiser; Socceroos address anti-immigration sentiment; and a journalist’s post-captivity clarity
Want to get this in your inbox every weekday? Sign up for the Afternoon Update here , and start your day with our Morning Mail newsletter . Good afternoon. One Nation has been forced to move a planned fundraising event to an undisclosed location in Melbourne after the venue decided not to hold it due to planned protest activity. The event was due to be attended by One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce. Pauline Hanson says she takes policy advice from Gina Rinehart as Nationals rule
‘Melbourne, not Pyongyang’: Protest threats leave One Nation fundraiser in doubt
A cocktail party fundraiser has been cancelled hours before it was due to begin after anti-racism protesters vowed to demonstrate outside the venue.