Calls for racist attack to labelled a ‘hate crime’

Indigenous leaders in Victoria have called for Sunday’s attack on Aboriginal protest site Camp Sovereignty in Melbourne to be investigated as a hate crime.

Camp Sovereignty founder Robbie Thorpe told the ABC yesterday he considered the attack an act of terrorism.

“It was organised and premeditated by a group of people who were talking about violence and hatred for our people and migrants,” he said.

About 40 men attacked Camp Sovereignty after Sunday’s anti-immigration March for Australia rally.

Mr Thorpe also criticised the police for their slow response to the incident and called for inquiry into the response to the attack.

Police investigation

Victoria Police have confirmed nobody was arrested, but said the investigation was ongoing and that Counterterrorism police would assist.

They’ve called for anyone involved or anyone who may have footage of the incident to come forward.

Mr Thorpe’s daughter, independent senator Lidia Thorpe, said the incident was a hate crime.

“It’s horrific, violent, racist, and uncalled for,” she said.

“I’ve had feedback from families in community where kids are too frightened to go to school today because of those acts of terror.”