Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke were confronted by a small group of attendees during an Eid event in Western Sydney, where they had joined the community to mark the end of Ramadan.
According to a report by ABC News, the gathering took place at a mosque in Lakemba, within Burke’s electorate. Both leaders remained seated as a speech was delivered after prayers, when a handful of people in the crowd began shouting.
Hecklers could be heard shouting "boo Tony Burke, boo Albanese", "genocide supporters", and "get them out of here". Other attendees appeared to welcome the prime minister and the local MP, highlighting mixed reactions within the crowd, as reported by ABC News.
During the disruption, another attendee shouted, "You called him honourable, he's responsible for the deaths of 1 billion people, 1 billion of our brothers and sisters," followed by, "You don't represent us anymore," ABC News has quoted.
The speaker urged calm as many in the audience remained seated, and the address continued. Albanese and Burke stayed until the conclusion of the speech before being escorted out of the mosque.
The incident reflects ongoing divisions over the presence of politicians at religious events. While some see their attendance as a sign of inclusion and engagement, others believe such spaces should remain separate from politics.
According to ABC News, similar incidents have occurred in the past. During last year’s Eid celebrations, which coincided with the federal election campaign, politicians also faced protests. Jason Wood, a former Coalition frontbencher, was escorted out of an event near Melbourne after being loudly heckled, with reports of physical altercations.
In another instance, Burke cancelled a planned appearance at a Ramadan event in Lakemba after news of a potential protest emerged.
Debate continues within the Muslim community over whether politicians should be invited to places of worship, with opinions divided between those who support such engagement and those who oppose it, as reported by ABC News.
Both Albanese and Burke have been contacted for comment.
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