‘Grandstanding’ Peter Dutton blamed after Woolworths store vandalised over Australia Day merchandise row

Several Teneriffe residents have blamed “grandstanding” opposition leader Peter Dutton for pro-Australia Day vandalism at the local Woolworths, after his calls for a boycott of the company.

Vandals hit the Woolworths Metro in the inner-city suburb of Brisbane at about 5.10am Monday, before opening time. It was painted with “5 days 26 Jan Aussie Oi Oi Woolies fuck u” on its exterior.

They also set off a flare, triggering the fire alarm, according to a Queensland police spokesperson. Neighbouring apartments were also evacuated, according to the ABC.

Queensland police released CCTV of the incident on Monday afternoon, which appears to show a person wearing a face mask spray-painting the front of the building before lighting the flare under the building’s door and fleeing the scene.

Police have appealed to the public for any information about the attack.

The incident comes after a week of debate about the grocery corporation’s decision not to sell Australia Day merchandise. Woolworths claims the decision was based on low sales.

“I think Peter Dutton should personally apologise for dog whistling and causing this sort of drama,” Teneriffe resident Neil Small said.

Another resident, Joseph Mitchell, said he was “not particularly surprised” that the supermarket was targeted in the wake of Dutton’s boycott push.

“You’ve got a politician grandstanding … And then, funnily enough, Woolworths gets vandalised,” he said.

Teneriffe resident Anna Kelder said the attack made her feel unsafe living in the community and the incident went too far. “Like, get a grip,” she said.

Dutton has been contacted for comment.

The store reopened on Monday morning, with most of the vandalism cleaned off by late morning.

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Graffiti outside the Woolworths Metro store in Teneriffe. Photograph: The Guardian

A spokesperson for Woolworths said “thankfully” no staff or customers were injured, with the incident taking place before opening.

“We’re grateful to the police and fire brigade who attended,” the spokesperson said. “There’s no reason for vandalism and we’ll continue to liaise with Queensland police.”

A police spokesperson said they were called to the store at about 5.10am, before firefighters from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services extinguished the flare.

A crime scene was declared and inquiries were under way, the spokesperson said.

Dutton took to the airwaves last week to call for a boycott of Woolworths, criticising its decision not to sell Australia Day paraphernalia as an “outrage” and “against the national interest”.

Rival supermarket chain Coles will continue to sell Australia Day items but Aldi and Kmart will not.

The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, weighed in on Monday, warning of the impact of the debate on workers.

“His big statement was to call for a boycott of Woolworths as well as I assume Aldi and Kmart – they employ over 200,000 Australians,” he told ABC radio.

“He needs to explain whether that boycott is forever, or whether it’s just until Australia Day and what the impact on those people who work for these companies will be.”

With reporting by Australian Associated Press