A fundraiser for Pauline Hanson’s One Nation in Melbourne tonight has been cancelled after anti-racism protesters threatened to demonstrate outside the venue.
Victoria Police confirmed the venue – Italian restaurant Giorgio Casa in Moonee Ponds – had pulled the plug on the sold-out event.
A fundraiser for Pauline Hanson’s One Nation in Melbourne tonight has been cancelled by the venue over concerns about protests. Alex Ellinghausen
Police said they were not aware of any threats.
“Victoria Police is aware a venue in Moonee Ponds is no longer holding an event tonight. This decision was made by the venue,” a police spokesperson said.
“The decision not to hold the event was made by the venue.”
Police said they will keep officers in the area due to potential protest activity.
One Nation’s team has told nine.com.au the event will be moved to a new venue but would not say where.
The controversial leader touched down at Tullamarine Airport earlier today, where she issued a message to protesters ahead of the event.
“I think it might do them some good to go, to really listen to what I have to say,” she told reporters.
“We don’t need violence and I hope it’s not violent because people have a right to come and listen to anyone else, or attend a function, no matter who they are, and hear what they have to say.
“That’s common decency, respect, and it’s our democracy.”
Hanson’s chief of staff James Ashby called the protesters “filth” during an interview on 3AW this morning.
“That says to me we’re getting cut through. When the filth come out and want to protest against One Nation, you know you’re doing something right,” he said.
The protest was organised by activist group Campaign Against Fascism, who posted an update on social media confirming its demonstration was still on.
Protesters outside Pauline Hanson’s Perth fundraiser Pia Wallis
In a rally poster shared on social media, organisers wrote that they want to “drive Hanson out” and there is “no room for fascism” in Melbourne.
Groups like No Room for Racism, Free Palestine Melbourne and Victorian Socialists had also planned to gather outside the event.
Hanson’s fundraising event in Perth on Wednesday was similarly met with hundreds of protesters holding signs that read “racism won’t pay the rent” and “hope not hate”.
There were boos from the large crowd, which was organised by WA Greens and WA Socialists, as police showed up in numbers to maintain the peace.