An image of a male police believe might be able to assist with inquiries into the malicious damage of a number of public monuments in Hyde Park. Credit:NSW Police On Saturday, NSW Police released images of a man they want to speak to. He is described as being of Caucasian appearance with a full face beard, wearing black sunglasses, khaki coloured jacket with a red shirt or scarf underneath, black track pants and brown boots. "We as police support the right to protest, but defacing public property is unacceptable and is criminal. If anybody has information that can lead us to the people involved, we are certainly keen to hear from them," acting Inspector Peter Northey said. The statue of Queen Victoria was also targeted in the attack, with the words "F---ing bow down" spray-painted onto the pedestal. A bag was also placed on the head of Macquarie and graffiti was sprayed on the Archibald Memorial Fountain, ANZAC Memorial, several park benches in Hyde Park and in Martin Place, police said.

"if we can't have this conversation in a country, democratically and respectfully, then it is just disgraceful": Stan Grant. Credit:Dallas Kilponen Grant lamented the actions of a small minority, stating that they reflect poorly on those who want to have a civil, rational debate. "People who do that, they actually reflect badly, not just on themselves, but if they actually care about Indigenous people and our cause, they are the ones who damage us. It's ridiculous. You know, we should all be able to come to this properly and conduct ourselves legally and respectfully." The male captured on CCTV appeared to carry a white can in his right hand. Credit:NSW Police "If you look at the history of the Aboriginal struggle in Australia, the history of it, has been peaceful. Indigenous people have conducted themselves with dignity, and peace and honour and have sought a way to be part of this country.

"And everything I have ever written has been about allowing us to feel as if we are part of this country too because we love it too and that's been the hallmark of the Indigenous struggle. So anything that goes to vilify people or mocking people or threatening people or defacing things is not what we do in Australia." A bag was also placed on the head of Governor Macquarie. Credit:Lily Mayers/ABC News Former prime minister Tony Abbott also condemned the acts of vandalism, calling for the vandals to be charged and prosecuted. "It's what happens when politically correct activists decide to jump on a US bandwagon. What I want to hear is an unequivocal statement from [Opposition Leader] Bill Shorten that our history must be respected and strong action by NSW Police and Sydney City council to prosecute politically motivated vandals," he said. James Cook is a most unlikely candidate to be dragged back and forth like a rag doll by today's cultural warriors. Credit:Cole Bennetts

Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison also criticized the vandalism, in a statement on his Facebook page. "Enough is enough. This is a bloody disgrace. This is an insult to all fair minded Australians who don't look back on our history with ignorance or rose coloured glasses, but also rightly acknowledge our extraordinary achievements as a nation since Lt James Cook turned up almost 250 years ago." He said. The statue of Captain James Cook in Sydney's Hyde Park that was defaced, which is understood to have prompted Mr Bolt's column. Credit:Cole Bennetts "This kind of rubbish does not help keep one Indigenous child safe, in school or end up in a job. "This divisive BS political grandstanding and vandalism does nothing but indulge the egos of the perpetrators. It is an exercise in pure vanity. Grow up, you're not helping anyone or anything."

The statue of Queen Victoria was also targeted in the attack, with expletive-laden words painted onto the pedestal. Credit:Cole Bennetts Grant believes no positives will come from these acts, arguing that respectful debate is the most effective way to advance the cause of Indigenous Australians. "No good comes from illegality. And no good comes from whipping people up into a state of frenzy. What good comes from is people coming out into society and being able to speak and have rational debate without mocking people or vilifying people or threatening people or going out and defacing things. "It's just not what we do. You know, it's not what we do. And it's not how people should conduct themselves. No good comes from that sort of nonsense." The acts have largely been condemned, with many taking to Twitter to denounce the vandalism. However, many were also quick to condemn Grant for his comments throughout the week, blaming him for the vandalism.

Grant, however, argues that he has never encouraged this sort of behaviour. "I just look at it and whatever I write, whatever I try to do, is based around rational, civil, polite argument. Not mocking, hysterical, not vilifying, but saying how do we actually find a way to live together in this country. "If people want to go to anything that I've ever said, that's what they'll find. This sort of thing, and people turning it into ridiculous hysterical debate doesn't help, it's just ridiculous." NSW Police are investigating the incident, while City of Sydney council workers have finished cleaning the statues. Loading

The statues were at the centre of controversy earlier in the week after it was revealed lord mayor Clover Moore had referred concerns about the statues to the council's Indigenous Advisory Panel. The news prompted claims by Mr Abbott that the statue of Cook would be torn down by Mr Shorten if he won the next federal election.