Independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich has condemned the actions of alleged offenders who sprayed a homophobic slur on his inner-city electorate office as an 'extremely distressing' attack, saying he was more determined than ever to ensure Sydney and NSW is a safer and fairer place for his community.
Alleged offenders sprayed the word 'pedo' on the sandstone walls and glass doors of Greenwich's corner office on Oxford Street in Darlinghurst on Sunday. NSW Police set up a crime scene after officers were called to the building before midday. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage and making inquiries to identify offenders.
Greenwich, who is openly gay and led the Yes campaign for marriage equality, said police were investigating and no one should have to be confronted with such an incident in their workplace, 'especially on the nine-year anniversary of the marriage equality Yes vote'.
'This homophobic attack was extremely distressing for me and my staff,' he told the Herald. 'If it was designed to intimidate me, it has had the opposite effect. I'm more determined than ever before to ensure Sydney and NSW is a safer and fairer place for my community.'
Greenwich said it was the first time vandals had targeted his office with homophobic graffiti.
The incident follows grave injuries suffered by federal MP Helen Haines in regional Victoria in October, which placed renewed attention on hostility frequently directed at politicians.
Wentworth MP Allegra Spender, who attended a fundraising event with Greenwich on Sunday, said she was 'disgusted and appalled' that his office was targeted with the 'vile homophobic slur'. 'There is no place for homophobia or hate in our community, and certainly not in Australian politics,' Spender said on social media. 'Words matter, and this kind of attack is designed to intimidate and harm.'
Greenwich, who has been Sydney MP since 2012, will recontest his seat at the March state election. He had previously considered leaving politics after taking on former NSW One Nation MP Mark Latham in a series of court battles following a homophobic tweet in 2023. Greenwich won his defamation case against Latham, who lost an appeal, but conceded the hate directed his way from others wore him down.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- This attack comes amid heightened concern over hostility toward politicians after federal MP Helen Haines was gravely injured in October.
- The targeting of an openly gay MP with a homophobic slur underscores ongoing discrimination and intimidation faced by LGBTQ public figures.
- Greenwich, a high-profile independent, is standing for re-election in March, and the incident may influence the campaign's tone on safety and inclusion.
Background
Alex Greenwich has been the independent member for Sydney since 2012 and was a prominent advocate for marriage equality. In 2023, he won a defamation case against former One Nation MP Mark Latham after Latham tweeted a graphic homophobic remark about him. Greenwich has previously spoken about receiving credible death threats and sustained online hate. The Bondi massacre in December and the rise of One Nation compelled him to stay in politics, he said. The graffiti attack comes less than a month after federal MP Helen Haines suffered grave injuries in an incident in regional Victoria, renewing debate about political violence and harassment.
Key Perspectives
Alex Greenwich: Called the graffiti a 'homophobic attack' that was 'extremely distressing' but said it has made him more determined to ensure Sydney and NSW are safer and fairer. He noted the attack came on the nine-year anniversary of the marriage equality vote.
Allegra Spender (Wentworth MP): Said she was 'disgusted and appalled' and that the 'vile homophobic slur' was designed to intimidate and harm.
What to Watch
- Whether police identify and charge the offenders through CCTV footage.
- How the incident influences the March state election campaign, particularly for Greenwich, who is recontesting his seat.
- Any further security measures for MP offices in NSW following this attack and the Haines incident.