Pro-Palestinian protesters repeatedly interrupted a university lecture by Foreign Minister Penny Wong and forced her to leave the stage.
The moment took place during Ms Wong’s Sir James Plimsoll Lecture at the University of Tasmania on Tuesday evening, where she was due to speak about international relations, policy-making and the strategic issues facing Australia’s foreign policy.
But protesters shouted at Ms Wong and interrupted the speech several times.
They criticized the government’s policies regarding the Israel-Gaza fire and called on it to sanction the Jewish state, the ABC said.
A university official tried to get the protesters to agree, but the interjections continued and Ms. Wong became frustrated as she tried to continue her speech.
“Part of what I’m doing in this speech, for anyone who wants to speak but not listen, is actually trying to lay out what we’re doing in relation to what’s happening in Gaza and what we’re doing in relation to going to Lebanon,” she said .
“So it’s disappointing that people don’t want to hear certain facts about what the government is trying to do in this situation.”
The hecklers were told to leave the room, but the comments continued.
Pro-Palestinian protesters repeatedly interrupted a university lecture by Foreign Minister Penny Wong (pictured) and forced her to leave the stage
Protesters shouted at Ms Wong and interrupted the speech several times. Pro-Palestinian protesters are seen in Sydney
“Our friends and family are in a state of utter fear,” said an onlooker.
“Please listen to the people who give you the power to do your job – that’s what you are, you are our representative,” said another.
Ms Wong shot back.
‘Do you want to hear what I have to say? Or do you just want to yell at me?’ she asked.
Protesters also stood outside the venue holding signs criticizing Ms Wong.
Ruthless pro-Palestinian protests have erupted across Australia following Hamas’ terror attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
The war between Israel and Gaza has escalated over the past year and has now spread to parts of Lebanon, following Israeli action against the Shiite terror group Hezbollah.
The Israeli campaign has resulted in thousands of Palestinian civilian deaths.
Universities have become centers of activism in recent months, with activist students setting up pro-Palestine camps at several universities.
The University of Tasmania has been contacted for comment.