Acting Victorian Premier Ben Carroll slams pro-Palestine fringe demonstrations

The acting Premier has labelled the US consulate attack ‘abhorrent’ and says he ‘couldn’t believe my eyes’ when he saw the Carols by Candlelight incident unfold live.

Acting Victorian Premier Ben Carroll has slammed the weekend’s targeted attack on the US consulate as “completely abhorrent”, as fringe pro-Palestine groups drive momentum for their cause with disruption and destruction.

Following the barrage of demonstrations ranging from rushing the stage at Christmas Eve carols, a leaflet drop at Australia’s largest shopping centre and most recently property damage at the US consulate building, Mr Carroll said he had faith in police to deal with hostile protests.

“Both of those incidents were very distressing and not needed. I think particularly targeting children at Carols by Candlelight is very insensitive and a real misreading of the room in my personal opinion,” he said. “And I also say targeting the US consulate is completely abhorrent and unnecessary as well.” Mr Carroll distinguished the incidents from the large public weekly marches in Melbourne CBD.

“I think everyone understands the right to come to the CBD and do a peaceful protest,” he said.

Acting Premier Ben Carroll has criticised the more extreme tactics and protests from pro-Palestine activists. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

“I was watching (the carols) at home and couldn’t believe my eyes. That needs to be called out as completely unnecessary, unfathomable and stupid.”

The Victorian government has remained mostly hushed on commenting on individual incidents, and has offered a general statement on the events in the Middle East.

Pro-Palestine groups also used New Year’s Eve to protest in Melbourne. They unfurled banners at the 9.30pm and midnight fireworks, including one that read “Let Gaza Live” over the Southbank pedestrian bridge. Others unfurled a sign outside the State Library which read “No Celebration Until Liberation”.

TRICIA RIVERA

Pro-Palestine protesters interrupt the Carols by Candlelight concert at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne, Sunday, December 24, 2023. (AAP Image/Diego Fedele)