A handful of protesters filmed themselves hurling vile abuse at Victorian Premier Dan Andrews outside a state memorial service in Melbourne for the late entertainer Olivia Newton-John.
In one video, as Mr Andrews is seen leaving Hamer Hall, where the service took place, a protester is heard yelling at the Premier, who is just metres away.
“Here’s the man,” he yells.
“Don’t fall down the stairs a***hole.”
In the video, the man is blocked from getting closer by police.
“I’m not gonna hurt him … relax … f***ing a***hole touched me,” the man is heard saying.
Several others are heard yelling “scumbag”, “dog” and “piece of sh*t” as the Premier is ushered into a car.
In another video of Mr Andrews outside the memorial service, a man is filmed saying: “The most hated man in Australian politics.”
The recently re-elected Premier has faced fierce criticism and protests for his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Numerous vocal anti-vaccine and anti-lockdown protesters perceive the leader as heavy-handed after Victorians went through a series of six lockdowns during the pandemic.
On numerous occasions since the beginning of the pandemic, thousands of anti-vaccine and anti-mandate protesters have taken to the streets, with Mr Andrews the main target of their chants and signs.
On one occasion in December 2021, thousands placarded Victoria’s Parliament House chanting: “Sack Dan Andrews.”
Despite this, Labor won the 2022 election by a comfortable margin under Mr Andrews leadership.
“These last few years have been incredibly challenging,” he said in his victory speech in November.
“We have had to make some very difficult decisions, some very tough decisions, and Victorian families and businesses right across our state have had a very difficult time.
“Friends, hope always defeats hate.”
Olivia Newton-John’s family and friends delivered emotional tributes to the iconic Australian singer at a “beautiful” state memorial service on Sunday.
The service, held six months after Newton-John’s death, drew warm words from those who knew her.
