A One Nation branch launch event took place at the Fremantle community centre.
Following social media announcements, a snap protest organised by WA Socialists drew a large crowd to the site, which gathered outside the venue and blocked the entrance.
Protesters were chanting slogans including “Shut it down, shut it down,” “Pauline Hanson go to hell,” and “Shame, racists, shame,” while also declaring that “Freo is a union town.” The group was reported to be deliberately disrupting and blocking the safe passage of attendees, verbally abusing patrons as they walked into the private event.
WA Hon. Rod Caddies MLC was seen at the front of the venue while security guards manned the entrance.
During the demonstration, alternative media was present on the scene, and it was reported that a protester attempted to steal a camera from a media representative while they were filming.
Over 20 WA Police officers attended the scene after being called, with some officers reportedly heavily armed, as tensions continued outside the venue.
Inside the venue, Rod Caddies stated that One Nation is all for the freedom to protest in a democratic country as long as it doesn’t violently assault or enter personal space.
Statements from both sides reflected opposing views. One Nation member Hon MLC Phil Scott - One Nation Western Australia, “The Far Left do not own Fremantle as a fiefdom. We have a democratic right to have a private branch meeting.”
Protest organisers maintained that Fremantle is a left-wing, anti-racist community and opposed the presence of One Nation in the area.
The next few years may be politically significant, with the possibility that Fremantle’s long-standing identity as a predominantly left-wing district could face increasing challenge