Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard was dragged away by security after being attacked by protestors outside The Lobby restaurant during Australia Day celebrations on Thursday.

The protestors – members of Canberra’s Aboriginal Tent Embassy – said opposition leader Tony Abbott incited the riot that unfolded after the PM and Mr Abbott tried to leave the restaurant. Last night, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda condemned the protesters’ behaviour which included about 200 banging on the glass of the restaurant chanting ”shame” and ”racist”.

”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.”