Security has been beefed up for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s campaigns after protesters targeted the federal election yesterday.
Both Albanese and Dutton were confronted with protesters on day one in Queensland as the early days of their five-week campaign kick off and tougher security measures are now in place to tackle unwanted attention.
Both sides were heckled during pitstops yesterday and 9News Political Editor Charles Croucher said protests may likely follow them around the country as campaign trails grow heated.
The PM is back in Canberra again today but will leave shortly before heading to marginal electorates where he can win key seats, Croucher said.
Croucher said the federal government is set to focus on supermarket price gouging today, including implementing ACCC recommendations and establishing a task force to draw up an excessive pricing regime.
Dutton will remain in his home state in Brisbane and is expected to work on his energy plan, which he says will promote cheaper grocery prices through gas strategies.
Protesters targeted three separate campaign events yesterday, which is a rare event as campaign locations are often kept secret until the last minute.
AFP officers accompanying the Coalition escorted the hecklers out during a key campaign stop in Queensland.
A heckler also interrupted the PM as he spoke to the media at Murrumba Downs in the Dickson electorate in Brisbane.
Day two of the five-week campaign kicks off today after the PM called the federal election for May 3 on Friday.
