Car allegedly drove into and hit protester at anti‑racism march in Melbourne; police investigating

Victoria Police is investigating an allegation that a car was deliberately driven at high speed toward a protester during an anti‑racism march in Broadmeadows, on Melbourne's northern outskirts. The incident occurred on 25 July and, according to participants, the vehicle ended up hitting a man's leg.

What happened

More than 150 people took part in a "peaceful community rally" that, after speeches, marched to Broadmeadows Town Park occupying a lane of Tanderrum Drive. Witnesses say a car driving in the same direction honked, that a passenger opened the door twice as if attempting to push people, and that the vehicle did not slow down as it passed the group.

Video obtained by the reporting shows a protester at the edge of the group turning as the car approaches, appearing to kick the vehicle; the car then strikes the man's legs and accelerates. The victim, who asked not to be identified, said he heard racial abuse from an occupant of the car before the impact. The words are not audible on the video, but two other participants said they heard them.

Who was affected and the organisers' reaction

The man who was hit is 43 years old, according to the account in the evidence, and other participants said the episode caused trauma, including among children and migrant residents. Organiser Athiya Zameer lodged a formal complaint with police on behalf of the group, seeking action against the driver and citing the emotional impact on the community.

Sue Bolton, a councillor for the Merri‑bek Socialist Alliance and one of the organisers, said the episode contrasted with the aim of the event — to support those who feel intimidated by rising anti‑immigration sentiment — and noted that the group had notified police in the days prior and received phone confirmation that there would be police presence, which did not occur.

Investigation and police response

In response to the group's complaint, a document seen by Guardian Australia indicates that police were aware of the event and that the incident is "being actively investigated". The force said it was committed to ensuring the allegations are thoroughly assessed, but declined to answer why officers did not attend the protest as organisers had expected.

State Greens MP Anasina Gray‑Barberio, who was at the march but did not witness the car incident, said the community expects an urgent and robust response and that communities of colour deserve to know that cases of violence or racism will be treated seriously.

What comes next

According to the evidence, several people reported the incident to police in the hours and days that followed. The ongoing police investigation is expected to determine the dynamics of the collision, the conduct of the vehicle's occupants and any possible motivations before legal measures are announced.

Readers who witnessed the case or have further images or information are likely to be contacted by authorities as the inquiry progresses, according to the practice described in the official communications mentioned in the evidence.

Source consulted: The Guardian - World