Boy, 17, in court over $55,000 vandalism attack on MP Josh Burns’ office

The 17-year-old is one of two people charged over a vandalism attack on Labor MP Josh Burns’ electorate office that left taxpayers with a $55,000 damage bill.

A 17-year-old boy charged with vandalising federal MP Josh Burns’ Melbourne electorate office has appeared in the Children’s Court. Picture: David Crosling/NewWire

A 17-year-old boy charged over a vandalism attack that caused $55,000 damage to federal MP Josh Burns’ Melbourne electorate office has faced the Children’s Court.

Windows were smashed and slogans, including “Zionism is fascism”, were spray-painted in red on the St Kilda electorate office of Mr Burns, who is Jewish, about 3.20am on June 19.

Small fires then occurred in telecommunication pits at the front of the Barkly St building, Victoria Police said at the time.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and an 18-year-old woman were charged over the incident by Victoria Police in late July.

In charge sheets before the court, police allege the boy trespassed into Mr Burns’ office intending to cause damage in an alleged spree that left taxpayers with a $55,000 bill.

Police have also charged the boy and the 18-year-old woman in relation to a second incident at the Honorary Consulate General of France, located on St Kilda Rd, that was vandalised with red paint about 4.40am on July 17.

On Thursday, Magistrate Jane Gibson adjourned the boy’s mention to September 5 to accommodate a case conference.

The boy, who is on bail, spoke only to respond “yes” when asked by Ms Gibson if he understood his bail conditions, which include a 9pm to 6am curfew unless he is in the company of a specified person.

The 18-year-old woman, who is also on bail, is due to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on October 11.

After the charges were laid in July, Mr Burns, who is the Labor member for the Melbourne seat of Macnamara, thanked police “for their diligence in ensuring the law is upheld, and that our office and the residences above are safe places to be in”.

“I am aware of the age of those who are charged by police and I wish to make this broad comment. The decisions people make as young people don’t have to define the rest of their lives,” Mr Burns wrote in a statement posted on X on July 26.

“Australia is a wonderful multicultural society and I will always work to ensure our community is a safe place for people regardless of their faith, gender, sexuality or identity.”

Mr Burns confirmed his St Kilda office had reopened, following extensive repairs.

“Whilst it has been a distressing period for my team and I, we are all keen to move on and continue our work serving the wonderful people of Macnamara,” he wrote.