Security beefed up as hecklers target election campaign

Security has been beefed up for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s campaigns after protesters targeted the federal election yesterday.
Both Albanese and Dutton were confronted with protesters on day one in Queensland as the early days of their five-week campaign kick off and tougher security measures are now in place to tackle unwanted attention.

Both sides were heckled during pitstops yesterday and 9News Political Editor Charles Croucher said protests may likely follow them around the country as campaign trails grow heated.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese drinks a ginger beer during a visit to Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, in Bundaberg, Queensland, in the electorate of Hinkler, on Saturday 29 March 2025, during the 2025 federal election campaign. fedpol Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese drinks a ginger beer during a visit to Bundaberg Brewed Drinks. (Alex Ellinghausen)

The PM is back in Canberra again today but will leave shortly before heading to marginal electorates where he can win key seats, Croucher said.

Croucher said the federal government is set to focus on supermarket price gouging today, including implementing ACCC recommendations and establishing a task force to draw up an excessive pricing regime.

Dutton will remain in his home state in Brisbane and is expected to work on his energy plan, which he says will promote cheaper grocery prices through gas strategies.

A heckler (in black holding phone) shouts as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese departs the Murrumba Downs Medical and Dental Centre, in the electorate of Dickson, in Murrumba Downs, Queensland on Saturday 29 March 2025. fedpol Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
A heckler (in black holding phone) shouts as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese departs the Murrumba Downs Medical and Dental Centre. (Alex Ellinghausen)
2025 Federal Election. Opposition leader Peter Dutton in the electorate of Brisbane with Liberal candidate Trevor Evans and Ryan Candidates Maggie Forrest visiting the XXXX beer factory. Saturday 29th March 2025. Photo: James Brickwood. SMH NEWS 250329. FEDPOL.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton in the electorate of Brisbane, (James Brickwood)

Protesters targeted three separate campaign events yesterday, which is a rare event as campaign locations are often kept secret until the last minute.

AFP officers accompanying the Coalition escorted the hecklers out during a key campaign stop in Queensland.

A heckler also interrupted the PM as he spoke to the media at Murrumba Downs in the Dickson electorate in Brisbane.

Day two of the five-week campaign kicks off today after the PM called the federal election for May 3 on Friday.

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