A fundraising event for Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party has been relocated to an undisclosed location in Melbourne after the original venue cancelled at the eleventh hour due to planned protest activity.
The event, which was to feature One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce, was originally scheduled at Giorgio Casa, a bistro in Moonee Ponds. A spokesperson for One Nation confirmed on Friday that the venue decided not to host the fundraiser after Victorian police expressed concern about possible protests.
Event sold out but details remain scarce
The One Nation spokesperson stated that the event was sold out but declined to disclose the expected number of attendees. The party did not reveal the new location for the fundraiser, citing security concerns.
Victoria Police confirmed they were aware of the venue change and said officers would maintain a presence in the Moonee Ponds area due to potential protest activity. However, a police spokesperson noted that they were not aware of any specific threats made towards the event, and the decision to cancel was made solely by the venue.
The Australian Federal Police referred inquiries about any investigation to state police.
Planned protests and community response
Several groups had planned to protest the event, including the Campaign against Racism & Fascism, which called on Victorians to “fight back” and join a demonstration. The Moonee Ponds city council also warned locals to avoid the area, posting on social media that Victoria Police had advised of the planned protest and that temporary road closures would be in effect for up to four hours.
This incident follows a similar protest at a One Nation event in Perth on Wednesday, where hundreds of demonstrators reportedly chanted “Pauline Hanson go to hell, take your racists there as well.”
