Politicians harassed as pro-Palestine supporters target ALP dinner

Labor politicians play down a ‘disgusting’ protest where a police officer was spat at in the face outside a party dinner.

Pro-Palestine protesters pictured outside the Greek Club in Brisbane where Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke at an ALP fundraising dinner. Picture: Josh Woning

An alleged cop spitter at a Labor dinner in Brisbane has been given bail, as the federal opposition accuses event star Anthony Albanese of playing down a “menacing, disgusting” pro-Palestinian protest.

Mr Albanese has brushed off a “radical” protest where a police officer was allegedly spat on, saying it was a “fantastic evening”.

Justice for Palestine Meanjin organised the protest rally to coincide with Labor’s True Believers dinner in Brisbane, which was attended by 600 people including senior federal ministers on Friday night.

Protesters demanded the Prime Minister to “end Australia’s support and complicity in the Gaza genocide” with attendees clashing with guests and senior Labor ministers.

Mr Albanese on Saturday said of the protesters, he “didn’t see anyone there”.

“It was a fantastic evening and I think a highlight of the evening for me was the presentation of six life memberships to people,” he said later.

Politicians were harassed as they entered the venue.

Pro-Palestine protesters shout outside the venue. Picture: Josh Woning

The young woman who was charged with serious assault after allegedly spitting in the face of a police officer has been granted bail after facing court, the Courier Mail reported.

Estelle Kynara Lael Lancaster, 21, appeared before Magistrate Andrew Hackett the next day, where her application for bail was unopposed by police.

Lancaster has been charged with a single count of serious assault police by spitting and the matter was adjourned to July 29.

Queensland Labor Premier Steven Miles was accompanied by cabinet members and other senior ALP ministers, including federal Agriculture Minister and senator from Queensland Murray Watt – who had to be escorted out of the venue.

Mr Miles said he had always supported “Queenslanders to peacefully protest”, and gave no other comment.

Protesters jostled and harassed guests as they stormed the venue at about 6pm, identifying some ALP members to the crowd by name and accusing them “of supporting genocide and baby killing”.

Pro-Palestine protesters pictured outside the Greek Club. Picture: Josh Woning

The federal opposition home affairs spokesman James Paterson accused Mr Albanese of trying to play down the “menacing” protest.

“The Prime Minister should never play down the assault of a police officer or the harassment of guests simply trying to attend a political event,” Senator Paterson said.

“These protests were menacing and had the intent to intimidate. It’s a troubling development in Australian politics and one we will all regret if our leaders don't have the strength to stand up against it.”

On the other hand, a prominent Aboriginal elder alongside a leading Islamic figure was reportedly “pushed and hackled” by a mob of “extremists” at the demonstration.

Islamic College of Brisbane CEO Ali Kadri was specifically targeted as protesters called him a “traitor” for attending the Believers dinner.

Speaking with The Australian, Mr Kadri said lines had been crossed when ordinary people were abused by a group of radical protesters.

He described the moment Robert Anderson, a senior Aboriginal elder, was reluctant to walk alongside his wife.

“Everyday people who were not part of the government, not decision-makers, were hackled and pushed. A 94-year-old Aboriginal elder, Uncle Bob, had people coming up to his face, yelling and shouting at him,” Mr Kadri said.

It’s understood some members of the Green Left and Socialist Alternative hijacked the protest.

Mr Kadri said police had restrained themself and did a good job under pressure, but to spit at an officer on duty was “disgusting and disappointing.”

“If anything, these people are traitors. Some of them are agents of chaos, especially the extreme left,” he said.

“To attack police officers by spitting on their face just shows how dangerous it is to allow the extremists to hijack the Palestinian cause.”

Mr Anderson told The Australian he was not physically hurt, but was deeply distressed by what had unfolded.

“I didn’t get hurt because I was assisted by members of the community. It was quite menacing because I was looking forward to a good night,” Mr Anderson said.

“It was very distressing last night. I think we’re supportive of ending the war on Gaza so it was distressing to walk through the crowd of angry people.”