Police called to One Nation event after clash between passer-by and volunteer
Police have been called to a One Nation event in Melbourne’s north, after a clash between a passer-by and volunteers.
It happened during a meet-and-greet with Essendon candidate and ex-footballer John Barnes, who’s been gagged by the party.
Police have been called to a One Nation event in Melbourne’s north, after a clash between a passer-by and volunteers. 9News
A member of the public said she wanted to see what was happening inside the Ascot Vale Neighbourhood Centre.
The woman alleges she was shoved out of the venue.
"He said 'it's a paid event for One Nation, it's a paid event' and this woman comes charging at me, another old bloke in there, who I filmed, pushed me and then the old bloke comes out and he's just shoving me out the gate," she told 9News.
The media was also shut-out of the event.
Those inside the venue have a different version of events.
It happened during a meet-and-greet with Essendon candidate and ex-footballer John Barnes, who’s been gagged by the party. 9News
"She just threw one of our volunteers to the ground, and he's an elderly man," an organiser told 9News.
Neither party was willing to share their own footage of the incident.
The woman called police who attended and spoke with her. Officers later returned to speak with One Nation personnel.
“A passer-by attempted to enter a ticketed event … There was a disagreement between the passer-by and a person at the event,” Victoria Police told 9News.
“The female was pushed and sustained minor injuries. Police are investigating.”
When asked what happened, Barnes said he had “no idea mate, I was inside”.
A One Nation party spokesperson similarly said they were unaware of the incident and there was nothing to add.
Tight-lipped is a theme for the party, making plenty of noise politically.
Like other candidates, Barnes hasn't been available for interview since being unveiled as a state election candidate more than three weeks ago.
Barnes said he’ll leave the talking to team captains Pauline Hanson and Warren Pickering (pictured), until “late September, probably October”. Jason South
"It's just a policy we've got at the moment mate," Barnes told 9News of the gag order.
"We all follow rules and I come from a sport it's a team game."
Barnes said he'll leave the talking to team captains Pauline Hanson and Warren Pickering, until "late September, probably October".
That will be just weeks before what polls suggest will be tight tussle.
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