One Nation fundraiser moved from Melbourne restaurant amid planned protests

A One Nation fundraiser featuring Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce was moved from a Melbourne restaurant after planned protests emerged, with Victoria Police and the party offering conflicting accounts of how the relocation happened.

Venue change

The event was originally due to be held at Giorgio Casa in Moonee Ponds, in Melbourne's north-west. Reporting on Friday said protest plans had formed around the fundraiser, which was set to feature One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and former Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce.

One Nation said the move came after police expressed concern about protest activity. Victoria Police said it was aware of protest plans but had no knowledge of direct threats and said the venue itself made the decision not to host the event there.

Later coverage said the fundraiser was shifted to South Melbourne and went ahead there, with police present.

Dispute over responsibility

The relocation quickly became a public dispute over who caused the change. One Nation blamed concerns about protests, while police said there were no specific threats and that the restaurant decided not to proceed.

The Victorian Socialists were among the groups organising demonstrations against the fundraiser.

The episode adds to a wider pattern of public protest at One Nation events and raises questions about how politically charged fundraising functions are handled when demonstrators are expected.

What remains unclear is which side initiated the cancellation in practical terms, whether any protesters reached the relocated venue, and whether police issued any further operational statement after the event moved.