One Nation fundraiser moved in Melbourne due to protests
Consensus Summary
One Nation’s Melbourne fundraiser, originally scheduled for June 12, 2026, at Giorgio Casa in Moonee Ponds, was cancelled after anti-racism protesters planned demonstrations. The event, featuring Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce, was moved to an undisclosed southern location hours before the start. Victoria Police confirmed the venue cancelled the event but denied receiving threats, though One Nation cited police advice as the reason for relocation. Protests also occurred at a Perth event earlier in the week. Moonee Valley Mayor Rose Iser welcomed the cancellation, citing the suburb’s history of opposing One Nation’s rhetoric. At the new venue, protesters followed, chanting slogans, while police maintained a presence. Neo-Nazis were arrested near the event, and Hanson denied protesters influenced the move, instead blaming high demand. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between One Nation’s rise and opposition to its policies, with the party polling strongly ahead of the November election.
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Key details reported by multiple sources:
- One Nation fundraiser was originally scheduled at Giorgio Casa, an Italian restaurant in Moonee Ponds, Melbourne, on June 12, 2026, at 6:25 PM (approx.)
- Victoria Police confirmed the venue cancelled the event but were not aware of any threats made against the venue
- Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce were set to speak at the event, which was billed as an 'exclusive evening ... and networking event'
- Anti-racism groups including No Room for Racism, Victorian Socialists, and Free Palestine Melbourne planned protests to 'drive Hanson out'
- The event was moved to an undisclosed location in Melbourne’s south after the cancellation
- Protests also occurred at a One Nation event in Perth on June 10, 2026, with hundreds of protesters present
- Moonee Valley City Mayor Rose Iser stated the event was 'not welcome in Moonee Ponds or Moonee Valley'
- Victoria Police maintained a presence in Moonee Ponds due to potential protest activity
- One Nation claimed the event was 'sold out' but did not confirm attendance numbers
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Omar Hassan (Victorian Socialist) stated protesters would gather 45 minutes before the event began
- A letter announcing the fundraiser’s cancellation appeared and then disappeared in Giorgio Casa’s window around lunchtime
- Barnaby Joyce said he hoped Melbourne was 'not Pyongyang' and accused the left of trying to 'infringe on parliamentarians’ rights'
- Moonee Valley City Council warned locals to avoid the area via social media
- Far-right figures discussed sending groups to defend the event online
- The Guardian cited the 'Campaign against Racism & Fascism' group calling for anti-racist action
- The event was moved due to 'concern about protest activity' expressed by Victoria Police, according to One Nation
- The Australian Federal Police referred inquiries to state police
- The Moonee Ponds council warned of temporary road closures for up to four hours
- One Nation cited advice from both Victoria Police and Australian Federal Police for moving the event
- Barnaby Joyce compared political debate to AFL supporters mingling, saying 'If Carlton supporters can walk around with Collingwood supporters...'
- The ABC noted One Nation is polling strongly for the November election
- Protesters chanted 'Nazi scum off our streets' outside the new venue
- Neo-Nazi Michael 'Mickle' Nelson was arrested near the new venue, shouting 'Australia for the White Man!'
- Hanson denied protesters prompted the venue change, claiming 'too many bookings' necessitated the move
- Hanson pledged to work with a future Coalition government in Victoria
- One Nation received 1,200 expressions of interest from potential candidates aged 19–94 for the Victorian election
- Hanson criticized Labor’s performance and corruption, calling for 'grassroots Australians' to represent voters
- The event was organized by Virginia Gibson (granddaughter of former PM Joseph Lyons) and her son Ben
Where the reporting differs
Details that conflict, or appear in only some outlets:
- The Guardian and ABC state Victoria Police 'did not express concern' about protest activity, but One Nation claimed police advised them to move the event
- TheAge and SMH describe the venue cancellation as due to 'protest threats,' while police and One Nation deny direct threats were made
- TheAge and SMH mention far-right counter-protesters, but only SMH details a neo-Nazi being arrested at the new venue
Source Articles
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