‘I Am Appalled’: Victorian Premier Criticizes Pro-Palestine Activists
The protesters chanted “Labor Party you can’t hide, you’re supporting genocide” after making their way upstairs.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan criticized Pro-Palestine protesters as bullies and anti-Semites for crashing a Labor state conference in Melbourne.
On May 18, activists breached security at Moonee Valley Racecourse where Victorian Labor MPs, members, and unionists were gathered for a two-day event.
During the intrusion, a security guard fell on a moving escalator while attempting to stop the protesters.
The protesters proceeded to bang on locked conference room doors and disrupt the proceedings by chanting during the in-memoriam section honoring former Labor leaders.
A Labor official informed the attendees that the protesters had been removed from the premises.
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According to Victoria Police, the protesters left peacefully without any arrests being made. However, allegations surfaced that a protester verbally attacked a state Labor minister with a homophobic slur.
Footage showed an altercation involving Fraser MP Daniel Mulino, who was eventually escorted by police along with other members due to the security breach that resulted in the delay of speeches by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Jacinta Allan.
Following the incident, Premier Allan condemned the intruders for allegedly bringing “violence, homophobia and anti-Semitism” to the conference, expressing her disgust and reaffirming her commitment to a cohesive and respectful society.
Outside, speeches were given by Independent senator Lidia Thorpe as the protesters chanted slogans and criticized several Labor leaders for their alleged involvement in certain events.
Tensions over Israel’s actions in Gaza led to heated debates among Labor members, with motions supporting the Palestinian cause sparking controversy. The motions included calls for the recognition of Palestinian statehood and the cessation of cooperation with Israeli entities.
Despite opposition, the motions were passed at the conference, highlighting the ongoing division within the Labor party.
At the conference, members also discussed leadership issues following Daniel Andrews’ resignation, with proposals to change the voting process for electing a new leader causing uproar among party members.
While the conference concluded with decisions on various issues, including school cleaning contracts, the incident with the protesters underscored the challenges faced by the Labor party in reconciling internal differences and external pressures.
