Peter Kahlil: Social cohesion envoy Labor MP’s office vandalised with unknown substance

The Government’s special envoy for social cohesion has had his office vandalised with symbols associated with Hamas and doused in an unknown substance.

Labor MP Peter Khalil said a hole had been drilled in the door of his electorate office in Melbourne and some kind of propellant used to pump substances into the office.

“The stench was so unbearable that staff immediately closed the door, and five hours later still feel overwhelmed and sick from the intensity,” he said.

Red paint was also used to douse walls and doors, and paint slogans including “land back” and “glory to the martyrs”.

A door was also painted with an inverted red triangle, which Mr Khalil described as “a kill symbol for Hamas, a proscribed terrorist organisation under Australian law”.

Police are investigating what the substance pumped inside the building is.

Mr Khalil said the vandalism was unacceptable.

“I have always supported peaceful protest as a fundamental part of our democratic society. But when that behaviour escalates into actions that harm people, as it has today, then that is not protest. That is unacceptable both under the law and morally, and it needs to be called out,” he said.

“My staff spend every day helping the community, helping people with NDIS, Centrelink and immigration matters. They deserve to be safe at work.

“People have a right to freely express their political and ideological views, as long as it’s peaceful.”

A string of MPs offices have been vandalised and many have been subject to ongoing protests and blockades by people who want the Government to take a stronger pro-Palestinian stance on the conflict in the Middle East.

In June, activists smashed windows and set fire to the office of Labor MP Josh Burns, who is Jewish.

Mr Khalil, the son of Egyptian migrants, has represented the seat of Wills since 2016.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese appointed him a special envoy for social cohesion in July.