Vandals have targeted the busts of former Australian prime ministers in Victoria in an attack police believe is politically motivated ahead of Australia Day.
It is understood the heads of former Labor prime ministers Paul Keating and Kevin Rudd were decapitated with an angle grinder and stolen.
The name plates of the remaining 18 statues were covered in spray paint.
The total damage is estimated to be more than $140,000.
Victoria Police Senior Seargent Brad Hall said the “senseless” attack was believed to be politically motivated ahead of Australia Day.
“There was some other commentary around about the Commonwealth will fall and other sort of political rhetoric,” he said.
Police have released CCTV images of those believed to be responsible and a white ute used to flee the scene.
It’s believed up to four people are involved.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, who is vying to be prime minister himself, condemned the attack today.
“I think it should be condemned and we should have great respect for our former prime ministers regardless of whether they’re Liberal or Labor,” he said.
The City of Ballarat said the attack was “completely unacceptable”.
“It is not only extremely costly to our ratepayers and will divert money away from critical Council services, but it detracts from Ballarat as a city,” the city said in a social media post.
The sculptor behind the busts, Peter Nicholson, said they were there to educate.
“It’s a way of discussing politics that I think is really important,” he said.
“I was really shocked, especially with the extent of (the damage).”
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A team of conservators will now assess the damage and undertake the time-consuming process of restoring each bust.
Police are searching for those responsible and are keen to speak to anyone who saw suspicious behaviour in the area.