One Nation insists fundraising event was a 'stunning success' after it was crashed by a prominent neo-Nazi

By CAITLIN POWELL - NEWS REPORTER and MATT JONES, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 01:11, 13 June 2026 | Updated: 01:11, 13 June 2026 One Nation has declared a Melbourne fundraising event disrupted by a well-known neo-Nazi figure was a 'stunning success'.  The event had been moved at the last minute when Italian restaurant Giorgio Casa, in Moonee Ponds, cancelled it due to the threat of anti-racism protesters. Pauline Hanson arrived at the fundraiser's new location in Melbourne's south with MP Barnaby Joyce who declared: 'We're no Nazis, that's just crap.' But neo-Nazi Michael 'Mickle' Nelson gatecrashed the event, saying: 'I'm here supporting One Nation, yes. Australia for the white man!' Nelson and two other members of the banned National Socialist Network were moved on by police while a protester yelled: 'Nazi scum'.  Nelson later returned near the venue and was handcuffed and taken away by police, but not arrested. When the Daily Mail contacted One Nation on Saturday, Hanson's spokesperson said: 'The fundraiser was a stunning success, thanks.' Tickets cost between $200 and $500, or $2,000 for a meet and greet with Hanson and Joyce. One Nation has said a Melbourne event that was disrupted by a known neo-Nazi figure was a 'stunning success' The fundraiser was moved to a new location in Melbourne's south at the last minute after the original venue cancelled due to anti-racism protests At the fundraiser, Hanson told the crowd she could work with the Coalition, but not with Jacinta Allan's Labor government. 'I want to take my country back, and I want you to have your state back,' she said.  'I want to get rid of these people that have destroyed our lifestyles, our standard of living, our way of life, the corruption that's going on. 'They've taken you, the people, for granted for too long.' Guests included some of One Nation's strongest supporters, including Adam Giles, CEO of Hancock Agriculture and former NT chief minister; Toorak socialite Virginia Gibson; comedian Elliot Loney; Rikki-Lee Tyrrell, One Nation's only Victorian MP; and Hanson's daughter Lee. Hanson was escorted out a back entrance to avoid about 30 protesters who gathered to vent their anger at the polarising politician. 'All One Nation supporters are worthless,' they called out. 'No racists, no fear, Hanson is not welcome here,' was another chant.  Well-known neo-Nazi Michael 'Mickle' Nelson turned up to support Pauline Hanson  Tickets to the event cost between $200 and $500, and $2,000 for a meet and greet with Hanson and Barnaby Joyce (both pictured) Victoria Police confirmed officers had attended the protest. 'Our top priority was keeping the peace, ensuring the safety of those attending and the broader community,' a spokesperson said. 'A 22-year-old man was given a direction to move on. There were no arrests. As a matter of course, police will review any vision or CCTV from the evening.' Prior to the event, protesters used social media to share plans to 'drive Hanson out' and declared there is 'no room for fascism' in Melbourne. 'One Nation can't be wished away or ignored. They're trying to create a Trump-style Australia: deportations of migrants, overturning abortion rights, rampant Islamophobia and racist campaigns against Indigenous people,' Campaign Against Fascism wrote.  Hanson's chief of staff James Ashby called the protest groups 'filth' during an interview on 3AW radio on Friday morning. 'That says to me we're getting cut through. When the filth come out and want to protest against One Nation, you know you're doing something right,' he said. Hanson indicated earlier this week that her daughter would continue a career with One Nation. Her sons - Adam, Steven and Jason - will not be involved.  Hanson's daughter Lee (pictured during her unsuccessful Senate campaign during last year's federal election) was also in attendance at the fundraiser on Friday Protesters hold placards during a protest at Queens Park War memorial in Melbourne Should controversial figures be allowed to attend political events, or does it undermine democracy? What's your view?Lee was unsuccessful in her Senate bid in Tasmania at the last federal election and has since been working as an adviser to NSW One Nation senator Sean Bell.  'She will stand for the Senate at the next election and I'm so proud of her,' Senator Hanson said at an event in Perth on Thursday, as reported by The Australian. 'I don't believe in jobs for the boys, and either you can cut it or you can't around me. Because what I'm trying to do, what I'm trying to achieve, you need the right people around you to drive it.  'And that's why I think she's going to be a great asset. I wouldn't have my sons anywhere near it, but my daughter, she's different.' Hanson spent the first of $3million donated to One Nation on a 'Fire the Liar' billboard set outside Anthony Albanese's electorate office. A war of words erupted earlier this week when Labor asked its supporters for a $27 donation to 'prevent One Nation from turning polling momentum into seats'. Hanson fired back by launching her 'Fire the Liar' fundraiser at 6am on Wednesday, with suggested donations starting at $29. One Nation claimed to have raised nearly $3million by Friday. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? 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