Albanese Blames Protesters For Recent Closure Of Marrickville Office

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has closed his Marrickville office after more than 30 years of operation, blaming the closure on “aggressive protesters”.

In a statement on Sunday, Albanese announced the closure of his office on Marrickville Road in the electorate of Grayndler, citing a rise in frequent protests making access to the office difficult.

“Sadly, over the past two years, aggressive protestors have repeatedly blocked access to the electorate office for people seeking assistance,” the Prime Minister said.

“This has also significantly impacted churchgoers attending the neighbouring St Clements Church, including disruption to funerals and other church services.”

In early 2024, pro-Palestine protesters began assembling outside of his office, demanding Australia take a stand against Israel’s military operations in Palestine.

Dubbed “Little Palestine At Albo’s”, a 24-hour picket was enacted for several months, with volunteers taking shifts to keep up a constant physical presence at the office.

The site attracted locals and those from outside the electorate, and often hosted community and family-friendly events in solidarity with Palestine.

The signage out the front of Albanese’s office was frequently graffitied with pro-Palestine stickers and words such as “Free Gaza”, in what the Australian Federal Police called an “act of malicious damage”.

New office location yet to be announced

“The office will open at a new location in the heart of Grayndler once it is made fit for purpose,” Albanese said, though he did not specify a new address.

“I’m incredibly proud of the work electorate officers, past and present, have done in assisting my community from this location.

“The electorate will continue to be serviced by hardworking, dedicated electorate officers at locations in the community, online and via telephone during this time.”

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles told ABC radio on Monday that the office’s closure is “very sad”.