Victoria Police invited to Pride March, despite attacking protesters last year

Readers are advised this story includes graphic violence by a Police Officer against a queer individual.

Victoria Police members will march in Midsumma’s 2025 Pride march despite footage of members violently attacking a group of anti-police participation protestors last year.

Footage from last year showed the Police brazenly attacking queer protestors after they blocked the Police’s marching path. Police can also be seen physically assaulting Midsumma event staff, who were attempting to deescalate the situation. Protesters are also seen scuffling with Police.

In this image, it is alleged that, Victoria Police Officer David Kelso can be seen assaulting a woman by choking her, for simply standing in the march path. In the video, an officer who appears to be David Kelso appears to attack the woman by choking her for at least 6 seconds. Apparently in response to her refusing to respond to police commands to “get off the road”.

Midsumma had previously claimed to have initiated an external investigation into the Police's actions and the protest, but have not made any further statements on the matter. Instead, choosing to update their site with a small piece of information on how Police marching will be encouraged to be LGBT liaison officers.

Shockingly, the Police have not backed down or apologised for their actions at the event they were guests at, instead attempting a crackdown by searching for protest participants and claiming that an “ugly rabble” had attacked them.

David Kelso, a West Brunswick resident, remains a member of Victoria Police working at their headquarters in Melbourne. He has not yet been disciplined or charged for his alleged violent actions.