Victorian Police have back down on a $67,842.50 invoice issued to Axiomatic Events for the use of police resources after left-wing thugs attempted to disrupt a conservative speaking event.
The event organisers were initially quoted $150,000 by Victorian Police to protect attendees from Antifa-style protesters who threatened to disrupt the 2018 event featuring Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux.
After an invoice was issued to Axiomatic Events with a generous discount, event organisers informed Victorian Police that they refused to pay them to do the job they are already paid to do.
Section 8 of the Victoria Police Act (2013) strictly prescribes its purpose. It says: “The role of Victoria Police is to serve the Victorian community and uphold the law so as to promote a safe, secure and orderly society.”
“It’s entirely reasonable for Victorian residents to expect to be protected from organised violence, harassment and intimidation when they want to attend a private event in a private property,” Dave Pellowe of Axiomatic Events said.
Pellowe continued: “Victoria Police legal advice has concurred that the Victorian Government has no legal or moral right to invoice law-abiding residents for the lawlessness of thugs and bullies.
“Police Minister Lisa Neville MP has been humiliated by the Victorian Police back down and the Andrews Government exposed as unwilling to protect democracy when attacks come from their side, instead appearing to enable the thugs’ veto with seemingly punitive ‘invoices’ for unconscionable amounts.
“Threats to invoice conservative events on private property for protection from Antifa violence and mischief can from now on be safely ignored as empty and inconsequential,” Pellowe added.
Victorian Police also reportedly ordered event organisers behind Milo Yiannopoulos’ speaking tour to cough up $50,000 for police resources after left-wing groups clashed with attendees outside the event. The promoter, however, says he has never paid or received the invoice.