Neo-Nazis and politicians, including One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, took part in anti-immigration protests under the banner 'March for Australia' in multiple cities on Sunday. The demonstrations, condemned as hateful by the federal government, saw far-right figures address crowds in Melbourne and Canberra.
In Melbourne, a neo-Nazi named Thomas Sewell spoke at the state parliament, claiming 'his men' had led the march and warning that if immigration is not stopped, 'our death is certain.' The rally drew about 5,000 participants and counter-protesters, with police deploying riot gear and pepper spray to separate the groups. Six people were arrested, and two officers were injured by thrown bottles.
In Canberra, Hanson and Senator Malcolm Roberts attended a gathering of a few hundred people waving Australian flags. A smaller counter-rally was kept apart by police. In Brisbane, a group of a few thousand gathered with little trouble, while in Sydney, police managed multiple events including the marathon and a pro-Palestine rally.
The Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan, condemned those who 'walk with Nazis' and affirmed the strength of multiculturalism. The federal government also denounced the protests, which were promoted by neo-Nazis and anti-lockdown figures, though no group claimed responsibility for organising them.
