Police share CCTV after Liberal senator James Paterson’s electoral office vandalised

Police have urged the community to come forward with any information related to the vandalism of a senator’s electoral office.

The Australian Federal Police has released footage of a man they believe can assist with their inquiries into vandalism at outspoken Liberal senator James Paterson’s electoral office.

CCTV footage released by police on Wednesday shows a man spray painting abusive messages on the window and front door of the South Melbourne office of Mr Paterson, who is the Coalition’s home affairs spokesman.

The image and videos date back to January 31, 2025, with authorities describing the man in question as having light-coloured hair and a moustache.

He was also wearing an orange, high-vis work shirt, beige pants and black work boots.

Police have released CCTV footage of a man they believe may be able to help with inquiries after a senator’s office was vandalised. Picture: AFP

They have called on the community to come forward with any information that could assist investigations. Picture: AFP

Police have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Senator Paterson has frequently spoken out against rising anti-Semitic attacks and criticised the Albanese government’s handling of the situation.

Earlier this week he wrote to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, calling on the government to list the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine as a terrorist organisation, as it is in the US, Japan, Canada and the European Union.

Senator Paterson’s request came after the organisation’s flag was spotted at a Melbourne demonstration.

“We have sanctioned them for the purpose of financial sanctions, but they’re not listed as a terrorist organisation in Australia, and that introduces uncertainty as to whether it is a crime to publicly display their symbols and logos and fly their flags,” he told Sky on Monday.

“And we have to make it very clear that it is a crime to display the flags of a terrorist organisation like the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.”

Senator Paterson has recently called on Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke to list the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine as a terrorist organisation. Picture: NewsWire/ Martin Ollman

AFP Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations Command Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt said perpetrators of anti-Semitic crime would be punished to the full force of the law.

“Special Operation Avalite has recently charged four men for separate alleged anti-Semitic crimes and we will continue to prosecute anyone who has been involved in such incidents whether that be in the past 24 hours or the past two years,” he said.

“There is no place for anti-Semitism in Australian society and anyone who engages in anti-Semitic conduct will be investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

Last week, a 33-year-old Melbourne man was charged with four counts of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence and one count of using a carriage service to threaten to kill in relation to messages sent to a NSW federal MP between January 16-18, 2025.

Victoria Police also alleged the man used social media to contact a Victorian state MP in January 2025.

Originally published as Police share CCTV after Liberal senator James Paterson’s electoral office vandalised