Teen involved in vandalism of MP Josh Burns’ office could avoid criminal record
A 17-year-old boy accused of vandalizing Jewish Labor MP Josh Burns’ Mcnamara electorate office in a politically motivated attack may avoid a criminal record.
Josh Burns’ office Photo: AAP
The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is part of a group charged over the June 19 incident, which reportedly caused more than $100,000 in damages to Burns’ office.
The attack, allegedly in protest against Burns’ pro-Israel stance, involved extensive damage to the office facade and graffiti bearing slogans such as “Zionism is fascism.” CCTV footage shows the boy using a sledgehammer to smash glass panels, allegedly costing $55,000 in repairs. Video evidence also captured suspects pouring petrol into telecommunication pits outside the St. Kilda office and igniting small fires. The incident raised safety concerns for residents in the building above Burns’ office.
In a statement at the time of the arrests, Josh Burns condemned the attack, describing it as “reckless and dangerous.” Burns emphasized that such acts only deepen social division and distress local communities, calling for peaceful dialogue instead. He added, “This was a distressing experience for my staff and surrounding tenants. But we have since reopened and returned to the work that we all love—helping my local and diverse community of Macnamara.”
Following the June incident, Melbourne police arrested the boy and an 18-year-old woman, charging them with burglary, arson, and criminal damage. Six additional suspects involved in this and a similar attack in July remain unidentified. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, addressing the broader issue, condemned the attacks telling the media “those responsible should face the full force of the law. This is a serious attack. The targeting of a Jewish MP is very distressing. There is no place for political violence in Australia.”
At a recent Children’s Court hearing, Magistrate Elizabeth Langdon assessed the boy’s suitability for a diversion program, a measure that would allow him to avoid a formal criminal record upon successful completion. The boy’s lawyer, Clare Morris, presented a diversion report indicating that the boy had expressed remorse and shown insight into the harm caused. In court, Langdon noted the boy’s reflective statements, including an acknowledgment that his actions had no bearing on the situation in Gaza, as well as the impact the incident had on his family, particularly his father’s shock and anger.
Langdon emphasized the boy’s responsibility as a member of a democratic society, urging him to “make better choices” in the future regarding political expression. She imposed four diversionary activities, with a completion deadline of February 10, the day before his 18th birthday. The boy also expressed intentions to enrol in an Auslan course to further contribute positively to the community.
The incident at Burns’ office was part of a larger series of pro-Palestinian protests that led to damages at nine federal MPs’ offices across Victoria and New South Wales between October 2023 and June 2024, with repair costs exceeding $120,000. Burns and other officials continue to urge the public to address political grievances through lawful means rather than violence.
Meanwhile, the 18-year-old co-defendant is scheduled to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court later this month. Investigations into the other suspects are ongoing, as authorities work to ensure accountability and deter further politically motivated vandalism.
I hope the “boy” completes his studies and continues to act correctly.
If he returns to these bad ways what happens then, this is also the issue. Why did he not give other names to the police , that is a serious question of his character. I hope he changes his attitude.