One Nation supporter's Ballarat hotel defaced in anti-politics vandalism
Meaghers Hotel owner Anthony Koop received support after his pub was spray-painted because of his political views.
Meaghers Hotel on Victoria Street in Ballarat was spray-painted late Sunday night or early Monday morning. The messages were against One Nation.
Several nearby cars were also tagged. Owner Anthony Koop is a One Nation supporter.
He said vandalism is the wrong way to protest. He urged people to run for office or get involved in politics instead of damaging property.
The spray painting backfired. Mr Koop and One Nation received hundreds of messages of support.
One Nation candidate Paul Ballinger also had his election signs spray-painted. He said it was an attack on democracy.
Local MP Juliana Addison visited the hotel to show support. She stressed the importance of political freedom and respectful debate as elections approach.
- Meaghers Hotel, Victoria Street, Ballarat
- Location
- 2024
- Hotel reopening
- 30
- Years since previous closure
- Paul Ballinger, Eureka
- Candidate affected
Why it mattersThe attack shows how political tensions can turn into crime. It also shows how community leaders can unite against vandalism even when they disagree politically.
AustraliaVictorians ahead of upcoming elections are seeing rising political passion, but also examples of leaders across parties condemning property damage and backing peaceful debate.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
