’I’m disgusted. No one should be cowered by these bullies’: Premier

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan was forced into hiding after an angry mob of pro-Palestine protesters stormed the Victorian Labor state conference at the Moonee Valley Racecourse.

Premier Jacinta Allan was forced into hiding after an angry mob of pro-Palestine protesters stormed the Victorian ALP state conference.

The Premier and deputy premier Ben Carroll were hurried away from the conference floor at Moonee Valley Racecourse after dozens of protesters stormed the venue in a major escalation of their ongoing protests.

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside hurling abuse at federal and state MPs, as well as other delegates, before a group of dozens breached a significant security presence to make their way into the venue about 10.20am.

The conference descended into chaos as MPs, delegates and other attendees were locked inside a conference room with the organisers forced to declare an official security incident shortly before protesters tried to smash their way into the room as nervous officials awaited a police response.

Security guards hold the doors to the conference room as protesters try to enter. Picture: Supplied

Pro-Palestine protesters wrestle with police at the conference. Picture: Diego Fedele

A protesters kicks the main entrance of the Mooney Valley Racecourse building. Picture: Diego Fedele

Lidia Thorpe shouts at Climate Minister Lilly D' Ambrosio. Picture: Diego Fedele

A policeman grabs a pro-Palestine protester. Picture: Diego Fedele

Concerns were raised about the safety of children who were being looked after in a makeshift childcare centre inside the venue.

Earlier, hundreds of pro-Palestine protesters hurled abuse at MPs and Labor delegates as they entered the conference.

Senior officials said despite repeated warnings the party’s administrative wing had failed to properly prepare for the protest.

Assurances had been given to party officers that an adequate security presence would be put in place.

Pro-Palestine activists infiltrate Moonee Valley Racecourse where the Victorian Labor State Conference is being held.
Protesters were banging at the doors of the conference. @australianpic.twitter.com/MB9SHf9aC5

— Tricia Rivera (@tricialeerivera) May 18, 2024

Ms Allan, who along with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the conference, later slammed the protest.

“Today, protesters and intruders brought violence, homophobia and anti-Semitism to the front door of state conference,” she said.

“I’m disgusted. No one should be cowered by these bullies.

“As Premier, my priority is a cohesive society where all Victorians feel safe and respected. That’s what I’m fighting for.”

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan arrives at the conference. Picture: David Crosling

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan. Picture: David Crosling

Greens state MP Tim Read and senator Lidia Thorpe were among those to address protesters outside the venue.

The protest came after Labor came under attack from Greens MPs in parliament this week.

Former Greens leader Samantha Ratnam branded Labor “cowards” after they refused to debate a petition over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the Allan government’s signing of the memorandum of understanding in the upper house.

“In parliaments like this across the world people are burying their heads in the sand, pretending that they cannot take responsibility and there is nothing they can do,” Ms Ratnam said.

“Well, your silence matters, and our culturally diverse populations – our Palestinian communities, our Muslim communities right across this country – see you for what you are, Labor. Cowards!

“You have abandoned them at their time of greatest need, and they will never forgive you. This is a betrayal of everything that they had hoped for. Never again will they ever trust you.”

A delegate is pursued by protesters outside the conference at Moonee Valley Racecourse. Picture: David Crosling

People attending the conference get shoved and pushed as they entered. Picture: Diego Fedele

Lidia Thorpe speaks at the pro-Palestine rally outside the Mooney Valley Racecourse. Picture: Diego Fedele

Pro-Palestine protesters outside the Moonee Valley Racecourse. Picture: David Crosling

Factional infighting over Labor’s stance on the ongoing conflict is also expected to be aired at the conference.

Motions drafted by the party’s Socialist Left faction, which includes Jacinta Allan, will demand the federal government back Palestine and condemn Israel.

One motion states: “State Conference resolves that Victorian Labor affirms the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to self-determination and calls on the Federal Labor Government to: Support the inalienable right of self-determination for the Palestinian people; Immediately recognise Palestine as a fully independent sovereign state within the term of this parliament.”

Ms Allan has faced criticism in recent months over a memorandum of understanding the government signed with Israel’s Ministry of defence in 2022.

But she received a standing ovation at Saturday’s conference that left her choking back tears as she announced plans to draft laws to crackdown on the abuse of Victorian workers.

The Prime Minister spruiked last week’s federal budget.