Anthony Albanese is rushed to his car by Federal Police due to angry protests during Horsham trip
Anthony Albanese is taken to his car by his Federal Police guards after an angry farmer protest erupted while visiting the bush
- The prime minister was overrun by protesters
- Farmers oppose a powerlines project
Anthony Albanese had to be rushed to the safety of his car after angry farmers crashed an event in regional Victoria.
Mr Albanese was on Thursday opening a water park in Horsham, three and a half hours north west of Melbourne, when the event was suddenly disrupted by around 40 farmers protesting a power line project in the region.
The prime minister was taken to his car by his federal police security team to evade the angry protesters, local media reported.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese opened a regional water park in Horsham, Victoria’s Wimmera region, on Thursday when the event was disrupted by protesters
About 40 farmers attended the event, hoping to speak to Mr Albanese about the Victoria to NSW Interconnector West project
Protesters reportedly made offensive hand gestures towards Mr Albanese and cheered after he left.
“It was not entirely clear what they were demonstrating about,” the prime minister said.
He said there had been “substantive consultations” with the community that would be ongoing.
“People always have the right to express their opinion, but they must do so with respect,” he said.
It is reported that about 40 farmers turned up at the event hoping to talk to the Prime Minister about the Victoria to NSW Interconnector West project.
Known as VNI West, it is a proposed new dual circuit 500 kV transmission line connecting the high voltage electricity grids in New South Wales and Victoria.
It promises to increase the capacity to share electricity between NSW and Victoria and improve the reliability and security of electricity supply in both states.
Some local residents are opposed to the project which they say will run through their properties.
Dozens protested against the planned Interconnector West project
Victorian farmer Glenden Watts traveled to Horsham from Charlton to speak with the Prime Minister.
“We came by today to raise some awareness,” he told the Mail-Times.
“There needs to be a Senate inquiry. It’s his government pushing this through.’
Mr Watts said a large police presence prevented him and other protesters from speaking directly to Mr Albanese.
He also said more protests were planned, including in Melbourne.
Albanese is the first sitting prime minister to visit Horsham in eight years.
Daily Mail Australia has asked the Australian Federal Police for comment.