Richard Marles’ Brougham St office vandalised again

Vandals have again targeted Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles’ office, with the latest attack involving an unknown “product” being sprayed into the area.

Vandals have again targeted Richard Marles’ office in Brougham St. Picture: Alan Barber.

The office of Corio MP Richard Marles has again been targeted by vandals, with the latest attack believed to involve an unknown substance being sprayed into the area.

Anti-war graffiti – “Weapons out of Geelong” and “War crimes start here” – and a smashed window were clearly visible at the Brougham St office on Wednesday morning.

A small number of police and Fire Rescue Victoria officers were on site to analyse the scene, which was cordoned off with police tape.

An FRV spokesman said members responded to reports of a potential hazmat incident following reports that “a product had been sprayed into a building”.

The scene was deemed under control at 8.25am and handed to police for further investigation.

A police spokeswoman confirmed an investigation into criminal damage was underway, but it was too early to identify what substance, if any, was used in the attack.

“No entry was gained and no arrests have been made,” she said.

She said the attack occurred at some time between 1.30am and 7am.

Police and FRV officers at the scene on Wednesday morning. Picture: Alan Barber.

Mr Marles described the vandalism as a “disruptive and destructive act” that put an unnecessary drain on resources.

“As is entirely appropriate, these acts are rightly being looked at by police,” he said.

The attack comes less than two days after Mr Marles, Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, posted on his Facebook page that “Australia will manufacture missiles at home from 2025 thanks to the Albanese government”.

That followed the signing of an agreement between Australia and the US to manufacture guided missiles in Australia.

Richard Marles’ Brougham St office on Wednesday morning. Picture: Alan Barber.

The post triggered almost 1000 comments, many from people who opposed the moved.

“Is that something you are proud of Richard Marles?” the Friends of Palestine WA page responded.

“The Australian government should abandon AUKUS and the US alliance and support an international arms embargo on Israel now.”

Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj, whose Kardinia ward takes in the CBD, slammed the attack on Mr Marles’ office.

“Reverting to vandalism under the cover of darkness is just pathetic and cowardly,” he said.

Mr Marles’ Geelong offices have been vandalised multiple times by pro-Palestinian protesters since the October 2023 attack on Israel that was orchestrated by the Hamas militant group.

Richard Marles during a visit to the Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane recently. Picture: Tertius Pickard / Getty Images.

In November 2023, protesters chained themselves with bike locks to the Brougham St office.

A month later, “Stop arming Israel” and “River of blood on your hands Marles” was graffitied on the entrance to his Yarra St office.

In February 2024, not only were Mr Marles’ two offices targeted, but also those of fellow Geelong MPs Libby Coker, Sarah Henderson, Darren Cheeseman, Christine Couzens and Gayle Tierney.

Ms Henderson said at the time there was “no excuse for this senseless vandalism”.

“Intimidating attacks from activists should not be tolerated in any community,” she said.

Originally published as Richard Marles’ Brougham St office vandalised again