Thousands of citizens rallied around Australia against immigration, which prompted outrage from the government and concern among migrant communities. Protests, named March for Australia, were staged in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and other major cities on Sunday.
In Sydney, local papers reported that up to 8,000 attended the march at Victoria Park. Police had hundreds of officers to monitor the crowds. Although there were moments of tension, police reported no serious violence. In Melbourne, though, violence erupted when anti-immigration demonstrators confronted a pro-Palestine group at the same time.
Politicians and far-right leaders participate
A number of politicians attended the rallies, including One Nation senator Pauline Hanson and MP Bob Katter. Present also was Thomas Sewell, a well-known neo-Nazi, who spoke on the steps of Parliament House in Melbourne.
In Adelaide, police estimated 15,000 participated in the rally and counter-protest. Authorities reported the crowd was overwhelmingly peaceful, although some of the protesters bore signs expressing sympathy for Dezi Freeman, a conspiracy theorist who has been charged with shooting two police officers this week. The search for Freeman continues.
Government condemns rallies
The protests were advertised not only by opposition lawmakers but also by far-right activists and anti-lockdown activists. The government firmly criticized the marches as spreading hatred and imperiling social cohesion.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated: “There is no room in our country for individuals who attempt to divide and undermine our social cohesion. Nothing could be less Australian.”
Also criticizing the incident was Multicultural Affairs Minister Dr. Anne Aly. “We stand with all Australians, regardless of where they were born, against those who try to intimidate migrant communities. There is no place for this type of racism in contemporary Australia,” she said.
What the group says
On its website, March for Australia asserts that immigration has damaged the nation. It argues that migration has put increased pressure on wages, housing, hospitals, and water supply, and weakened community bonds.
The message from the group has been firmly rejected by government ministers, who maintain that multiculturalism is at the heart of contemporary Australia.
FAQs
- Where were the anti-immigration rallies held?
In major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide.
- How many participated in the rallies?
As many as 8,000 in Sydney and up to 15,000 in Adelaide, the local media reports.
- Were there any confrontations?
Yes, in Melbourne, there were clashes between protesters and an anti-Palestinian group.
- What did the government say?
The government denounced the rallies, describing them as hateful and conducive to divisions in Australia.
- Who called for the rallies?
The March for Australia organization, backed by some right-wing politicians and activists.
