Victoria Police are investigating reports of inciteful behaviour outside Flinders Street Station, where independent MP Catherine Cumming appeared to threaten Premier Daniel Andrews in speech at a rally.
Key points:
- Victoria Police are investigating reports of inciting behaviour at a Melbourne rally
- Protesters rallied in the CBD as state election pre-polling continued
- Politicians are concerned with the level of aggression in some campaigning
Dr Cumming is a Member of the Victorian Legislative Council for Western Metropolitan Region and aligned herself with the Angry Victorians Party (AVP) in November.
In a video capturing Dr Cumming standing on the steps of Flinders Street Station, the Member for Western Metropolitan Region said she joined the AVP to make Mr Andrews turn into "red mist".
A police spokesperson confirmed that authorities were looking into the matter.
"Police will investigate following a report of inciteful behaviour during a speech at a rally outside Flinders Street Station on 19 November. As the investigation is ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage," the spokesperson said.
In a statement, Dr Cumming said her comments have been misinterpreted and that she only wished for the Premier and his "red-shirts brigade" to be blown up "at the ballot box".
"I want to make it explicitly clear that I do not wish or call for any physical harm to come to Daniel Andrews MP or his red-shirts brigade," Dr Cumming said.
"I am calling on all Victorians to deliver the accountability our state needs, at the ballot box, to erase the red stain of Daniel Andrews MP from our beautiful state."
The rally came as protesters marched through the streets of Melbourne's CBD, waving an assortment of flags and anti-Daniel Andrews signage.
Tensions flaring on tense campaign trail
As pre-polling stations open for early voters ahead of the November 26 election, politicians are increasingly concerned with the ferocity of the campaigning.
Leader of the Reason Party Fiona Patten said she has seen voters being "shepherded and harangued" by volunteers as they enter pre-polling centres.
"There has been some really excessive behaviour by some people — some outrageous behaviour — this is the first election that I've really seen this at this degree," Ms Patten said.
Ms Patten said she was confused by the tactics of some volunteers and believed it did not win anyone votes.
She said some parties had even shipped in volunteers from interstate to increase their presence at some polling stations.
"A number of voters are feeling intimidated when they come in here, and a number of volunteers are feeling intimidated by other volunteers," she said.
"The socialists have been particularly vehement in this area, they've been particularly aggressive on some of the booths."
It follows reports on Wednesday that Freedom Party candidate Mark Strother had lodged a formal complaint with the Victorian Electoral Commission, alleging that Treasurer Tim Pallas assaulted him.
In a video filmed by Mr Strother, the two men are seen having an altercation at a pre-polling booth in Mr Pallas' Werribee electorate.
Victorian Electoral Commissioner Warwick Gately said in a statement on Thursday that the reported behaviour of volunteers was unacceptable and that the VEC would not tolerate intimidation.
'Where I draw the line is when voters, election staff, other volunteers and nearby traders feel unsafe or intimidated when trying to vote, work or play their role in the election," Mr Gately said.
"If their requests for cooperation are not met and the safety of others is at risk, I will seek police intervention, restrict volunteer numbers or take other measures open to me."
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2022-11-19 08:00:47Z
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