Vandals have damaged 20 statues of former Australian prime ministers at Lake Wendouree in Ballarat, prompting condemnation from Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. The bronze statues, including those of Paul Keating and Kevin Rudd, were targeted overnight between Thursday and Friday, with their name plates spray-painted and significant damage estimated at over $140,000.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has condemned the vandalism of bronze statues of former prime ministers Paul Keating and Kevin Rudd at Lake Wendouree in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. Ballarat Police have launched an investigation after 20 statues were damaged between the hours of 2 to 5am on Thursday. Mr. Dutton condemned the vandalism of the statues while signalling the vandals represented 0.1 per cent of the country.
Victoria Police said the name plates of the remaining statues have been covered in spray paint with the estimated damage worth over $140,000. 'I would absolutely condemn the actions and as I say, this represents 0.1 per cent of Australia,' he said. He said Australia should have 'great respect' for our former prime ministers, regardless of if they were Liberal or Labor. 'They lead the country at different times and we should be respectful of our history, and we should be very respectful of those who have led our country,' Mr. Dutton said. Police said the name plates of the remaining statues have been covered in spray paint with the estimated damage worth over $140,000. The site of statues recognizing former prime ministers of Australia was opened by the Governor of Victoria in 1940. 'Police are keen to speak to anyone who saw suspicious behaviour in the area to come forward,' Victoria Police said in a statement. The Ballarat Heritage Watch President Stuart Kelly said he hoped the offenders would be caught. 'It seems to me that there must've been a sizeable group that did such a thing.' Like many members of the Ballarat community, we are deeply saddened to hear of the vandalism of Prime Ministers Avenue today,' a spokesperson said in a post to social media. The foundation said the avenue was a 'source of pride' for the community which holds national significance. Peter Dutton has condemned the vandalism of statues of former prime ministers Paul Keating and Kevin Rudd at Lake Wendouree in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. Picture: Supplied. The site of statues recognizing former prime ministers of Australia was opened by the Governor of Victoria in 1940. 'Our thoughts are with the Friends of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens and staff as we know they value appreciate and love the gardens,' the statement read. 'This blatant violation of this vital part of their story and heritage is a severe blow to not only the community but to all who work and care for the gardens.' This is not the first time vandals have targeted the gardens with the bronze statues of Liberal prime ministers John Howard and Tony Abbott also previously being damaged
Vandalism Statues Former Prime Ministers Australia Ballarat Police Investigation Peter Dutton
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