One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has vowed to collaborate with the Coalition to remove Victoria's Labor government, as protesters gathered outside a fundraising event she attended on Friday night.
Protesters Gather at Melbourne Venue
Demonstrators assembled outside Canvas House in south Melbourne, where Hanson and Barnaby Joyce were scheduled to attend an event titled “An Evening for Victoria.” Protesters held banners and beat drums as the pair arrived, with chants ringing out in the background.
A significant police presence was deployed, with footage showing officers pinning a man to the ground before handcuffing him. Victoria Police confirmed on Saturday that no arrests were made, but a 22-year-old man was “given a direction to move on.”
Disruption Continues Throughout Evening
The disruption continued into the night, with Hanson and Joyce eventually leaving through a rear exit shortly before 10pm. Inside the venue, Hanson received a warm welcome from supporters, announcing her willingness to strike a deal ahead of Victoria’s November election.
“I will work with the coalition government because who needs to go is the toxic Labor government,” Hanson told the crowd. “People have had enough and we’re here to help them.”
Venue Change Due to High Demand
The event was originally scheduled at Italian restaurant Casa Giorgio in Moonee Ponds, but the venue cancelled the booking following concerns about protests. “Due to the safety of our community, the event at Casa Giorgio has been cancelled,” a notice posted at the venue read. “We appreciate your understanding, the venue will reopen on Sunday, 14th June.” Police were also deployed to the Moonee Ponds location.
Hanson denied the venue change was due to protesters, saying there were simply too many people wanting to attend. “We had too many bookings, people wanting to come,” she said. “So that’s why we had to change location. Do you think I’d be deterred by the protesters? Think twice. No. We just had so many people who wanted to come.”
Labor Support Collapses in Polls
Polling released on Saturday morning shows Labor’s support in Victoria has collapsed to just 21 per cent of the primary vote, placing them behind both One Nation and the Coalition. Pollsters say if this trajectory continues, Victoria is looking at a change of government in November.
