Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and opposition leader Tony Abbott had to be rushed out of a restaurant by riot police, after riots broke out in Canberra.
Around 100 to 200 protesters surrounded the Lobby restaurant, after thronging to mark the 40th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy close by.
More than 50 riot police had to escort the flustered prime minister to a waiting car via a side door, as a frightened-looking Gillard was literally dragged off her feet during the crush. Pictures show Julia Gillard clutching her personal security guard, and at one point the Australian Prime Minister even lost her shoe.
The Australian politicians had been stranded in the restaurant for over 20 minutes as protesters surrounded the restaurant, banging on the glass windows, chanting “shame” and racist.”
The protesters then chased the car transporting Gillard and Abbot, banging on the roof and the bonnet of the vehicle.
The Aboriginal rights protesters had been angered after Abbot made comments concerning the status of the permanent indigenous camp on Australia Day.
Australia Day, on 26 January is called “Invasion Day” by some indigenous Australians as it marks the date that English boats arrived on Australian shores in 1788.
The protesters were angered after Abbott questioned the continued need for the tent embassy.
"I think the indigenous people of Australia can be very proud of the respect in which they are held by every Australian.
"I think a lot has changed since then, and I think it probably is time to move on from that."
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda told Australian newspaper The Courier Mail he did not condone the actions of the protesters
"An aggressive, divisive and frightening protest such as this, has no place in debates about the affairs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples or in any circumstances,'' Mr Gooda said.
"While we need to acknowledge that there's a real anger, frustration and hurt that exists in some indigenous communities around Australia, we must not give in to aggressive and disrespectful actions ourselves.''
