The woman has been identified as Denise Ferris, Emeritus Professor in the School of Art & Design at the Australian National University (ANU).
Warning: Video contains profane language.
Australians will vote on the controversial ‘Voice‘ referendum on 14 October. If successful the referendum will see the establishment of an ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice’ – a body of First Nation appointees who will give independent advice to the Parliament and government.
The referendum has split the country, with latest estimates giving the edge to the ‘No’ vote, despite a massive media and marketing campaign for the ‘Yes’ camp.
Tempers flared yesterday at a ‘Yes’ vote tent set up in Canberra. A ‘No’ supporter filmed a woman, later identified as Ferris. During the heated exchange Ferris can be seen spitting at the man, and then denying it.
Video of the incident went viral, prompting the ANU to release a statement today confirming Ferris was an Emeritus professor but was not on the university’s payroll.
To date no discplinary action has been taken against the wayward professor, although the university confirmed the matter will be invesitgated and appropriate disciplinary action ‘will be taken as required,’ Rebel News Australia reported.
No one takes Professor Denise Ferris from the Australian National University seriously now.
Just Vote NO! pic.twitter.com/Yaavz4dubL
— Clown Down Under 🤡 (@clowndownunder) September 20, 2023