Campaign security fears grow as Anthony Albanese ambushed by alt-right activists in Melbourne hotel lobby

Security concerns are mounting ahead of Wednesday night’s second leaders’ debate after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was verbally bombarded in a Melbourne hotel lobby.

His confrontation by members of an alt-right group demanding answers on immigration and housing in Melbourne’s Grand Hyatt Hotel is the latest in a string of flashpoints across the campaign.

“There are hundreds of thousands of Australians around the country who are unable to afford housing, and I have a question for you, Mr Albanese, when are you going to put Australians first?,” one man yelled while recording the PM in the lobby.

“Albanese, when are you going to put Australians first?”

In another video a different man yelled: “Albo, how do you feel about the rise of immigration? Mate, do you think it’s fair? Do you think it’s fair?”

A Labor staffed stepped in to shield the Prime Minister, before his security detail got involved.

The relentless incidents and a fresh alert of a major pro-Palestinian protest has prompted a beefed up presence at ABC’s debate at their new Parramatta studios — which has been highly publicised.

Despite increased security for the election, about 10 events involving both Liberal and Labor have been disrupted in recent weeks, with the leaders and other senior politicians repeatedly ambushed.

It includes stops at a brewery, Chinese restaurant and a mental health clinic.

There were also incidents before the election officially started, including environmental activists Rising Tide interrupting Mr Dutton’s Lowy Institute keynote speech and Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ pre-budget address at the Queensland Media Club.

At some campaign events journalists are required to be screened and wear wristbands or lanyards after climate protests previously pretended to be part of the travelling media.

With leaders set to attend uncontrollable public events over the Easter and Anzac Day period — the increased frequently of incidents have fuelled fears of further disruptions will play out as the election campaign reaches its pointy end.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Mr Albanese said he had full confidence in the Australian Federal Police to protect him and his staff while travelling on the campaign trail.

“I have faith in the AFP. As I’ve said before, have no intention of going into security discussions. That’s not in the interests of security,” he said.

On Wednesday, groups with far-right links to Melbourne Freedom Rally and Tactical Force Combatives have claimed responsibility for the protests in the Melbourne hotel lobby against Mr Albanese.

One of the men’s social media pages shows him holding various weapons, including a rocket launcher.

Asked on Wednesday if he had concerns following the attack on the Prime Minister, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also praised the work of the AFP.

“I think the Federal police do a fantastic job. And obviously the State police are involved in protection packages as we move around the country,” he said.

“As the Prime Minister rightly pointed out, it’s not a lock down area — it’s a public space. I think the police do a great job and I’m sure on that the Prime Minister and I can agree.”