One Nation Melbourne fundraiser moved after venue cites protest concerns

A One Nation fundraising event scheduled for Friday in Melbourne was moved to an undisclosed location after its original venue, Giorgio Casa in Moonee Ponds, cancelled the booking, officials said. The party said the event was sold out and would still go ahead. Police and the local council warned of possible protests around the Moonee Ponds area.

A party spokesperson said Victorian police had expressed concern about potential protest activity connected to the fundraiser. A Victoria Police spokesperson said officers were not aware of any specific threats toward the event and that the decision to stop hosting it was made by the venue.

Police said they were aware the fundraiser would no longer be held at the Moonee Ponds location. They said officers would maintain a presence in the area because of the potential for protest activity.

The Moonee Ponds City Council also alerted residents to planned protest action and advised people not to attend the area. The council said police had flagged the protest and that there could be temporary road closures for up to four hours.

Protest plans and expected attendees

Organisers of demonstrations, including a group called the Campaign against Racism & Fascism, called for people to protest the fundraiser. The event was expected to be attended by One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce.

The party did not confirm how many people were expected to attend the fundraiser. The new venue was not disclosed.

Earlier One Nation event drew protesters

A One Nation event in Perth earlier in the week also drew hundreds of protesters, according to the report.

Authorities have not outlined any further restrictions beyond police presence and possible road closures. The next focus will be whether planned protests in Moonee Ponds go ahead as expected on Friday.