One Nation fundraiser moved from Melbourne restaurant amid planned protests

Venue change after protest plans

A One Nation fundraiser featuring Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce was moved from Giorgio Casa in Moonee Ponds after planned protest activity raised concerns about the event.

Victoria Police said it was aware of planned protests in the area and would maintain a presence, but said it had no information about direct threats to the fundraiser.

The change comes as One Nation steps up fundraising and campaigning in Victoria ahead of the state election, with the party drawing attention over its public events and the involvement of senior figures such as Hanson and Joyce.

Conflicting explanations

One Nation said the fundraiser was sold out. Hanson said the venue change was because the restaurant had too many bookings, not because of protest pressure.

That account differs from the reporting around the event, which linked the move to expected demonstrations outside the original venue.

The fundraiser was being targeted by protest groups including the Victorian Socialists and Campaign Against Racism & Fascism, both of which had publicly organised opposition to the event.

Public-order concerns

The venue shift raised questions about local disruption and the pressure on police to manage public-order risks around the area.

Moonee Valley authorities had also warned of possible disruption around the event, adding to the focus on how the fundraiser would proceed once the original booking was abandoned.

The event was part of One Nation's broader political fundraising effort, with Hanson and Joyce remaining central draws for the party as it seeks visibility in Victoria.

What remains unclear

It is still not clear whether the fundraiser proceeded at a replacement venue, or whether there were arrests, closures or other public-order consequences.

The main unresolved issue is the reason for the move: One Nation has blamed booking demand, while police reporting and venue-related accounts point to protest concerns.