Scott Morrisson

Prime Minister Scott Morrison's car vandalised in refugees protest

About 50 protesters gathered at the university's Australian Institute of Bio-engineering and Nanotechnology, where the prime minister was touring earlier today.

Police formed a barrier outside the entrance to the building where protesters were chanting "lock up Scomo" while carrying signs and tomatoes.

It is understood the Morrison was escorted out through a loading bay, shortly after the building went into lockdown.

Red paint was thrown against the glass doors and windows of the building at both entrances.

Australia fires: Angry residents berate PM Morrison in blaze-ravaged town

Locals said he had done very little to help Cobargo in New South Wales (NSW), where two people died earlier this week and many lost their homes.

The PM said he was "not surprised people are feeling very raw".

NSW's premier has declared a week-long state of emergency in response to the escalating bushfire threat.

Since September, bushfires have killed 18 people and destroyed more than 1,200 homes across NSW and neighbouring Victoria. At least 17 people remain missing after fires this week alone.