Student protesters smashed a glass door panel in an attempt to storm a building where federal Education Minister Christopher Pyne was launching his new book.
They also blockaded the doors of the Docklands building, stopping some from entering the event, which was delayed for about 30 minutes until police regained control.
"I'd like to welcome those who made it through," Mr Pyne told the audience on Friday night.
"We're about two-thirds the number that RSVP-ed, so sadly I think about a third of the people who wanted to come couldn't get through.
"It does seem a bit juvenile for the students to be trying to stop and disrupt the launch of a family-friendly book."
The National Union of Students organised the protest to express its opposition to the deregulation of university fees.
Members shouted "No cuts, no fees, no corporate universities" and jostled with police.
One protester was arrested and three police received minor injuries.
Victorian Liberal Party president Michael Kroger launched Mr Pyne's book, A Letter to My Children, as Prime Minister Tony Abbott had to pull out.
Mr Abbott was in Perth on Friday for the funeral of Liberal MP Don Randall.
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