‘Ratbags’: Protesters rock Labor conference
The Victorian State Labor Party Conference will resume on Sunday after pro-Palestine protesters stormed the venue where it was being held, forcing the building into lockdown.
Protesters were seen on video hurling abuse at delegates as they arrived at the Moonee Valley Racecourse on Saturday for the two-day conference.
The actions were swiftly condemned by state and federal Labor leaders who have been under mounting pressure seven months into the war in Gaza.
Former Labor leader and NDIS Minister Bill Shorten told Nine the demonstration had “sounded like a small bunch of ratbags”.
“You don’t do your own cause any good storming through where we were minding the kids,” Mr Shorten said.
“I think everyday Australians will look at those antics and say, whatever you’re selling, we don’t want to buy.”
In a post to X, Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan said she was “disgusted” by the protesters who she said brought “violence, homophobia and anti-Semitism”.
Victoria Police said no arrests had been made but the police presence at the venue have reportedly been beefed up.
At least two police vans were spotted in the area on Sunday morning, with some eight security guards posted outside.
The two-day conference is intended to be a platform for members to “determine all Party-related matters”, including police and amending rules.
Addressing the conference, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese voiced his support for an increase to the minimum wage.
The conference will continue on Sunday.
