Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has attributed the closure of his electoral office in Marrickville, Sydney, to pro-Palestinian protests. However, the landlord stated that the decision to end the lease was made independently. Albanese expressed disappointment over the closure, noting that aggressive protests had repeatedly obstructed access to his office for constituents seeking assistance over the past two years.

The Member for Grayndler claimed that churchgoers at a nearby church faced harassment from protesters. In an interview with ABC Radio Perth, he stated, "People are being abused when they're going to church on a Sunday and being accused of all sorts of things to do with the Middle East conflict." He emphasized that such behavior does not help advance any cause, regardless of differing opinions on the issue.

The prime minister explained that the protests disrupted the shared parking arrangement between his office and the church. "It became untenable for people to use their own car park at the church," he said. He added that individuals attending funerals were also subjected to abuse, expressing frustration over the situation.

Reverend Ross Ciano, minister at St Clement's Anglican Church, confirmed that the decision to end Albanese's lease was made by the Sydney diocese, which owns the property. "Their lease was up and yeah, it was time for a change," he said, noting that the church is also expanding and has new plans.

When asked about the prime minister's claims regarding the treatment of churchgoers, Ciano acknowledged that while most protests have been peaceful, there have been instances of heightened tension. "We've had phone calls, at times, where people haven't felt safe walking down this part of Marrickville Road," he said. He mentioned that only one funeral service had been impacted, describing the disturbances as "just noise." Ciano also pointed out that many members of the church support the protesters' message, highlighting the congregation's diverse views.

Bernie Hobbs, a former ABC science broadcaster and member of Sydney Knitting Nannas and Friends, protested against the Woodside gas project outside the prime minister's office on Monday. She claimed to be a constituent of Grayndler and expressed frustration at not being able to deliver a letter to Albanese for months. "I've never seen aggression here in the very many protests that I've attended out here," she said, questioning how the prime minister could be aware of any aggression since he has not met with protesters during their demonstrations.

Albanese's Grayndler office has been in operation since 1993, initially opened by then-MP Jeannette McHugh. The prime minister has occupied the space since his first term in parliament in 1996. The office officially closed last Friday, and Albanese announced plans to open a new office "in the heart of Grayndler once it is made fit for purpose." In the meantime, constituents will be able to seek assistance from his staff at various community locations, online, and via telephone.