‘Cowardly’: Minister targeted in graffiti attack

The electorate office of Transport Minister Jo Haylen was the target of a graffiti attack where “anti-semite” was scrawled across the front window.

Minster of transport Jo Haylen. Picture Thomas Lisson

The electorate office of Transport Minister Jo Haylen was the target of a graffiti attack where “anti-semite” was scrawled across the front window.

The attacker also wrote “honour your oath, separate church and state” with police saying it occurred around 1pm on Saturday.

It is understood Ms Haylen was made aware of the graffiti after a member of the public posted a photograph of her Marrickville Road office on an inner-west community Facebook page.

It is the fourth time the office of the Summer Hill MP has been targeted.

Describing the incident as “disgraceful” and “cowardly”, Ms Haylen said the offenders would face the full force of the law.

NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylens office has been targeted in a graffiti attack in Marrickville today. Pic Supplied.

NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylens office has been targeted in a graffiti attack in Marrickville today. Pic Supplied.

“Earlier today my electorate office was subjected to a disgraceful and cowardly attack of vandalism,” she said.

“This is the fourth time my office has been subjected to this kind of criminal attack.

“These kind of criminal acts are designed to intimidate and divide our successful multicultural communities. I will not be intimidated by them and nor will the rest of our inner west community.”

Ms Haylen said she had full confidence police would find the offenders.

Officers attached to Inner West Police Area Command have launched an investigation into the incident, and urged any witnesses to come forward.

“The NSW Police Force takes hate crimes seriously and encourages anyone who is the victim of a hate crime of witnesses a hate crime to report the matter to police through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through Triple Zero (000),” police.

The incident comes as police set up Strike Force Pearl this week to identify and arrest those responsible for the recent anti-semitic incidents.