Indigenous leader Mick Gooda has condemned the aggressive behaviour of Aboriginal protesters towards Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott at a Canberra restaurant on Australia Day.
About 200 protesters from the nearby Aboriginal tent embassy banged on the three glass sides of The Lobby restaurant chanting "shame" and "racist".
At least 50 police, including the riot squad, were called to the scene shortly after 2.30pm (AEDT).
The two leaders, protected by police and security officers, escaped out a side door after about 20 minutes.
Protesters chased their car down the road, banging on its roof and bonnet.
The tent embassy is celebrating a 40-year milestone with a three-day "Corroboree for Sovereignty", with thousands of indigenous Australians travelling to Canberra for the occasion.
Tensions boiled over on Thursday afternoon following comments Mr Abbott made in Sydney earlier in the day that it was perhaps time for the embassy to move on.
Ms Gillard and Mr Abbott had just spoken at a ceremony for the inaugural national emergency medals when the protesters arrived at the restaurant.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda said he was appalled at the level of disrespect and aggression shown towards the two leaders.
"An aggressive, divisive and frightening protest such as this, has no place in debates about the affairs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples or in any circumstances," Mr Gooda said.
"While we need to acknowledge that there's a real anger, frustration and hurt that exists in some indigenous communities around Australia, we must not give in to aggressive and disrespectful actions ourselves."
He said the actions of the protesters went too far.
"The point could have been made more peacefully and respectfully," he said.
"It is particularly distressing that this has occurred at a time when we are so close to moving towards cementing respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our constitution."
Mr Gooda said the behaviour "should be condemned in no uncertain terms".
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