A vandal sprayed pro-Palestinian slogans in three areas of the Canberra memorial at 1am on Friday.
RSL national president Greg Melick condemned the attack and said it would do little to advance the protester's cause.
ACT Policing is seeking the public's assistance to identify a man who allegedly committed criminal damage at the Australian War Memorial in the early hours of this morning. More: — ACT Policing (@ACTPolicing) https://t.co/omHbO4puGU pic.twitter.com/ujmOv9729RJune 14, 2024
"The vandal did not even have the courage to be identified and the painting of the slogans on the memorial is appalling," he said.
"People are entitled to protest but the defilement of a memorial to those who served, suffered and died in the service of the Australian nation and to protect the freedoms and way of life of all Australians is disgusting and to be deplored."
Australian War Memorial director Matt Anderson echoed the sentiment and said the act was "inappropriate and offensive".
"I am saddened by graffiti which desecrated the heritage building at the Australian War Memorial overnight," Mr Anderson said.
ACT police are searching for the man who was wearing a black jumper, a black face covering and khaki pants with dark knee patches.
Acting Inspector Lisa Broomhall said the vandalism was unacceptable and would not be tolerated.
"Police are very disappointed to see a national institution, which holds a special significance to many, being vandalised," she said.
"We would like to remind the community that while peaceful protest is part of healthy democracy, criminal acts will not be tolerated."
Insp Broomhall said police would pursue the person responsible to ensure they were brought to justice.
The Vietnam War memorial in Canberra was previously sprayed with pro-Palestine messages using red paint.
18°C