Key facts
- Victorian police are investigating an incident where a car allegedly drove at speed towards a protester at an anti-racism rally in Melbourne.
- The incident occurred on July 25 in Broadmeadows, involving a car that allegedly struck a protester after a passenger opened the door.
- Witnesses and the protester allege racial abuse was shouted from the car.
- Organizers claim police were notified of the rally but did not attend, and believe their presence might have prevented the incident.
- Police have confirmed the incident is under active investigation.
Victorian police are investigating allegations that a car was deliberately driven at speed towards a protester during an anti-racism rally in Melbourne last month. The incident occurred on July 25 in Broadmeadows, where over 150 people had gathered for a peaceful community rally.
Following speeches, the group marched to Broadmeadows Town Park, occupying one lane of Tanderrum Drive. Witnesses allege that as a car approached, a passenger opened the door twice, seemingly attempting to push protesters out of the way. Video footage shows a protester kicking at the car before being clipped by it and the vehicle accelerating away. Witnesses stated the car did not slow down.
The protester who was struck alleged hearing racial abuse from the car's occupants, a claim supported by two other attendees who spoke to Guardian Australia. Several participants reported the incident to police shortly after it occurred.
Sue Bolton, a councillor and rally organiser, stated the incident contradicted the rally's purpose of countering anti-immigration rhetoric. She noted that police were informed of the rally beforehand but did not attend. Athiya Zameer, who liaised with police for the group, believes the incident would have been prevented if officers had been present. Zameer filed a formal complaint, citing trauma caused to the victim, children, and the community.
In response to the complaint, police confirmed they were aware of the event and stated the incident is being actively investigated. They declined to comment on why officers did not attend the protest. Greens MP Anasina Gray-Barberio, who attended the rally, called for an urgent and robust response, emphasizing that communities of colour deserve to have their experiences of violence and racism treated with seriousness.