Anti-government protesters created a heated confrontation in Geelong on Thursday afternoon, targeting attendees arriving for an event featuring former Prime Minister Tony Abbott. The demonstrators gathered outside The Deck restaurant on Eastern Beach Road, where they made serious and unsubstantiated allegations against those entering the venue.
Confrontation Outside Geelong Venue
The protest turned confrontational as attendees arrived for the private function featuring Mr. Abbott around 4:30 PM. Witnesses reported that protesters began shouting and brandishing signs, with some individuals directly accusing event-goers of being "pedophiles" as they attempted to enter the waterfront restaurant.
Victoria Police confirmed they responded to the scene following reports of the disturbance. Officers monitored the situation as tensions flared between the two groups. The demonstration remained largely contained to the footpath area outside the establishment, though the verbal exchanges grew increasingly hostile.
Restaurant Management Responds
Management at The Deck restaurant found themselves caught in the middle of the unexpected protest. Staff members worked to maintain order and ensure the safety of all patrons while the event proceeded inside the venue.
The private function continued despite the external disruptions, with Mr. Abbott delivering his scheduled address to attendees. Restaurant management declined to comment on the specific nature of the event or the content of Mr. Abbott's speech, citing privacy concerns for their clients.
Police Monitoring and Community Response
Victoria Police maintained a presence throughout the demonstration to prevent the situation from escalating further. No arrests were made during the incident, though officers documented the exchange and ensured public safety in the popular Eastern Beach precinct.
Local residents expressed mixed reactions to the protest, with some supporting the demonstrators' right to free speech while others condemned the nature of the allegations being made. The incident highlights the increasingly polarized political climate in regional Victoria and the challenges faced by public figures when attending private events.
The confrontation outside The Deck restaurant represents another chapter in the ongoing political tensions that have characterized public discourse in recent years. As community divisions continue to surface at such events, the role of police in maintaining order while protecting free speech rights remains crucial.
