Anti-Immigration Rallies Across Australia Marred by Neo-Nazi Presence and Arrests
Australia witnessed a series of anti-immigration rallies this week, drawing crowds ranging from dozens to thousands across major cities. The events, organized under the “March for Australia” banner, were overshadowed by arrests related to hate speech, displays of extremist ideology, and confrontations with counter-protesters.
The rallies, the third iteration since August of last year, reflect ongoing tensions surrounding immigration levels and national identity. While organizers claim to advocate for controlled immigration, the presence of far-right and Neo-Nazi groups has raised serious concerns about the events’ underlying motivations.
Sydney Rally Sees Arrest, Neo-Nazi Displays
A 31-year-old man was arrested at a rally in Sydney attended by approximately 2,000 people, accused of inciting hatred through alleged hate speech delivered during an open mic session at Moore Park. According to Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden, the NSW Police commander overseeing “Operation Australia Day,” the man’s language and presence were “clearly and unequivocally aligned with Neo-Nazi ideology” and incited hostility towards a specific community group. He has been charged with publicly inciting hatred on the ground of race causing fear and is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.
Police also removed one attendee identified as a member of a Neo-Nazi group. Several former members of the now-disbanded National Socialist Network (NSN) were observed at the event, with one directing banner placement while wearing a yellow marshalling vest. Demonstrators openly displayed Neo-Nazi symbols, including the “Black Sun” necklace. Signs supporting jailed Neo-Nazi figure Joel Davis, who has been denied bail three times after allegedly directing followers to engage in harassment, were prominently featured throughout the march. Chants of “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi” and “send them back” – a clear reference to migrants – echoed through the streets.
Conflicting Motivations Among Attendees
Despite the visible presence of extremist elements, attendees cited a variety of reasons for participating. The ABC spoke with individuals motivated by promoting Catholicism, expressing concerns about “mass immigration,” and even demonstrating support for Jewish Australians amid rising antisemitism. This diversity of motivations highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of the anti-immigration movement.
Melbourne Rally and Allegations of Racial Abuse
In Melbourne, approximately 2,000 people gathered, chanting “Australia first” as they marched from Flinders Street Station to Parliament House. The rally occurred simultaneously with an “Invasion Day” protest, and police maintained a strong presence to prevent clashes between the two groups.
However, a separate incident occurred where four men allegedly racially abused two people, chased them, and damaged their car, with one of the alleged perpetrators performing a Nazi salute. Victoria Police have launched an investigation into the incident. Before speaking, Hugo Lennon, a far-right anti-immigration figure with a history of promoting extremist views, was greeted with shouts of “Heil Hugo” from the crowd.
Nationwide Demonstrations and Varying Concerns
Anti-immigration rallies also took place in Perth, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, and the Gold Coast, each with its own distinct character.
In Perth, at least 500 people rallied, voicing concerns about the impact of immigration on housing affordability and the cost of living. One Nation upper house member Rod Caddies called for a ban on foreign land ownership and changes to student visa rules. However, another speaker at the Perth rally made disparaging remarks about specific ethnic groups, stating the country should celebrate “Anglo Celtic ancestry.” A speaker from the now-defunct NSN also appeared at the Perth event, defending the group’s activities.
Brisbane hosted an Australia Marches rally of approximately 3,000 people, a splinter group from March for Australia, with One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and Victorian Independent Senator Ralph Babet in attendance. Organizers of this event distanced themselves from the NSN, citing concerns about their involvement.
In Canberra, a 37-year-old man was arrested during a confrontation between “Invasion Day” demonstrators and March for Australia participants. Adelaide saw gatherings in Peace Park and Glenelg, with one attendee, a second-generation Maltese migrant, expressing a desire to demonstrate patriotism.
Organizer Defends Allowing Neo-Nazi Marshals
March for Australia organizer Bec Freedom defended her decision to allow members of the NSN to volunteer as marshals, stating they had offered to help maintain order and were subsequently ejected by police. “They’re good people who are fighting for our country,” she told the crowd, adding that the group’s recent disbandment meant any present were simply “everyday patriots.” The NSN announced its dissolution in response to proposed federal hate speech laws.
Declining Migration Rates
Despite the concerns voiced at the rallies, recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) indicates that net overseas migration has declined for seven consecutive quarters since peaking in the year to September 2023. .
The events underscore the growing visibility of far-right extremism in Australia and the challenges of balancing freedom of speech with the need to combat hate speech and protect vulnerable communities. The ongoing debate over immigration policy and national identity is likely to remain a contentious issue in Australian politics for the foreseeable future.
