Tensions flared dramatically in Melbourne's central business district on Sunday as rival protest groups clashed during an anti-immigration rally headlined by One Nation leader Pauline Hanson.
Chaotic Scenes in CBD
Hundreds of demonstrators waving Australian flags and boxing kangaroo banners braved wet weather to march from Flinders Street to Flagstaff Gardens for the Put Australia First event. The gathering, organised by Monica Smit of Reignite Democracy Australia, faced immediate opposition from hundreds of anti-racist counter-protesters attempting to disrupt proceedings.
Riot squad officers were compelled to form protective barriers between the opposing factions as scuffles broke out. Supporters of Ms Hanson shoved aside counter-protesters, with several men engaging in physical altercations before police intervention restored order.
Hanson's Controversial Address
Despite the chaotic atmosphere, Pauline Hanson continued her speech from a converted truck stage, initially pleading with attendees to avoid violence. The 71-year-old politician made several blunt admissions during her address, notably declaring "I'm not from Victoria and, to tell you the truth, I wouldn't move to Victoria."
She elaborated: "I'll stay in Queensland, thank you very much. We have our problems there but when I see what the Labor Party has done to this state... and the Liberals have not been much better. They don't fight. I see it all the time."
Hanson's speech faced significant disruption when a heckler used a megaphone emitting siren sounds to drown out her remarks. The individual repeatedly shouted "racists" and "Go home Pauline" before police removed him from the vicinity.
Immigration Takes Centre Stage
The One Nation leader focused her remarks primarily on immigration, which she identified as the nation's most pressing issue. Hanson blamed Australia's housing crisis and cost-of-living pressures directly on immigration levels, stating that 1.5 million arrivals had overwhelmed public services and employment markets.
"All of these problems stem from high immigration," Hanson asserted. She further accused the government of operating a "Ponzi scheme" by using migration as a fiscal crutch to compensate for wasteful spending of taxpayer money.
Despite her criticism of Victoria, Hanson vowed to continue fighting for representation for her supporters in the state parliament. She promised drastic reductions in migration until domestic issues including homelessness were adequately addressed.
Police Intervention and Aftermath
Law enforcement authorities made one arrest during the event, apprehending a man in Swanson Street allegedly found in possession of knuckle dusters. Police issued two move-on directions and confirmed they would review CCTV footage to investigate the display of a Nazi symbol after an unidentified individual threw a drink can at officers.
Remarkably, despite the heated confrontations and physical altercations, no injuries were reported. Hanson was escorted by police to her vehicle following the event amid concerns about potential further confrontations.
The rally featured a pre-recorded message from far-right British activist Tommy Robinson, who remains banned from entering Australia. Hanson's appearance coincides with One Nation enjoying record polling numbers, with recent surveys indicating the party has reached 18 per cent national support, largely at the expense of the Liberal Party.
