One Nation has been forced to move a planned fundraising event to an undisclosed location in Melbourne, after the venue decided not to hold it due to planned protest activity. The event was due to be attended by One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce.
A spokesperson for the party told Guardian Australia on Friday that it would move the fundraiser from Giorgio Casa, a bistro in Moonee Ponds, after Victorian police “did express concern about protest activity at the event”.
The One Nation spokesperson added that the event was “sold out” but would not confirm how many people were expected to attend.
A spokesperson for Victoria police said officers were not aware of any threats made towards the event, and the decision not to hold the event was made by the venue.
Victoria police confirmed they were aware the event was no longer being held at the Moonee Ponds location but said “police will maintain a presence in the area due to potential protest activity”.
The Australian federal police referred inquiries by Guardian Australia into whether officers were investigating the issue to state police.
A number of groups were planning to protest the event, including the “Campaign against Racism & Fascism” group which called for Victorians to “fight back”.
“We need to stand up and fight back. All anti-racists and anti-fascists need to join this demonstration next week,” the group said.
The Victorian Socialists and Campaign Against Racism and Fascism said the group would go ahead with their protest in the area tonight.
Omar Hassan, a spokesperson for Victorian Socialists, said if Hanson and Joyce didn’t show up, the group would claim it as a victory.
“We will be taking our chance to mobilise strongly and let the world know that a party bought and paid for by Gina Rinehart, which votes against wage rises, supports devastating wars overseas and bigotry at home, is not welcome in Melbourne,” Hassan said.
The Moonee Ponds city council had also warned locals not to attend the area in a post to social media on Friday.
The council wrote that Victoria police had advised of the planned protest and that officers would be present. They added that there would also be temporary road closures for up to four hours.
A One Nation event in Perth, attended by Hanson on Wednesday, was also met with hundreds of protesters, who reportedly shouted “Pauline Hanson go to hell, take your racists there as well”.
