Activists protest One Nation state election launch in Melbourne
by
Michael Johnstone
1–2 minutes
Protesters demonstrate outside a venue in Hawthorn East during a rally targeting the Victorian state election campaign launch of One Nation party in Melbourne, Australia, August 3, 2026. Police maintained security presence around the area as activists gathered to protest against the right-wing party’s Victorian candidates ahead of the upcoming state election. Earlier the same day, One Nation’s national leader, Pauline Hanson, announced eight party candidates for the election during a press conference that excluded media outlets critical of Hanson.
The public looked on as the protest make their way from the starting point at Victoria Rd Reserve. Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 3, 2026. Matrix Images / Michael JohnstoneChants included ‘Immigrants are welcome, racists are not’ as the group of about 300 made their way through the streets. Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 3, 2026. Matrix Images / Michael JohnstoneMelbourne, Australia, Aug. 3, 2026. Matrix Images / Michael JohnstoneMelbourne, Australia, Aug. 3, 2026. Matrix Images / Michael JohnstoneMelbourne, Australia, Aug. 3, 2026. Matrix Images / Michael JohnstoneHeavy police presence kept the protestors and One Nation supporters separated. Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 3, 2026. Matrix Images / Michael JohnstoneMelbourne, Australia, Aug. 3, 2026. Matrix Images / Michael JohnstoneThere was significant legacy media presence during both the protest and One Nation event. Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 3, 2026. Matrix Images / Michael JohnstoneDrums could be heard through the area as well as chants for the duration of the protest. Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 3, 2026. Matrix Images / Michael JohnstoneMelbourne, Australia, Aug. 3, 2026. Matrix Images / Michael JohnstoneMelbourne, Australia, Aug. 3, 2026. Matrix Images / Michael JohnstoneThe rain was short lived. Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 3, 2026. Matrix Images / Michael JohnstoneMelbourne, Australia, Aug. 3, 2026. Matrix Images / Michael JohnstoneMelbourne, Australia, Aug. 3, 2026. Matrix Images / Michael JohnstoneProtestors return to their starting point after about two hours. Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 3, 2026. Matrix Images / Michael Johnstone
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Written and Photographed by Michael Johnstone, Copyright All Rights Reserved Email: smallwhenfar@proton.me
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