Neo-Nazis and politicians were among those at anti-immigration March for Australia rallies held in state and territory capitals on Sunday. The protests, condemned as hateful by the federal government, drew crowds in Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, and Townsville.
In Melbourne, a neo-Nazi named Thomas Sewell addressed the crowd outside state parliament, claiming 'his men' had led the march and stating: 'If we do not stop immigration, then our death is certain.' A counter-protest merged with a weekly pro-Palestine rally, leading to clashes. Police used pepper spray and baton rounds, arresting six people. Two officers were injured by thrown bottles.
In Canberra, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and Senator Malcolm Roberts attended, with Roberts speaking to the crowd. A smaller counter-rally was kept separate by police. In Sydney, police deployed hundreds of officers to manage the marathon, a pro-Palestine rally, and the anti-immigration march simultaneously.
Victoria Police estimated 5,000 participants in the Melbourne rally and counter-protest. Premier Jacinta Allan condemned those who 'walk with Nazis', saying: 'No one who has ever tried to divide this country has ever succeeded.' The protests were promoted by neo-Nazis and anti-lockdown figures, with no group publicly claiming responsibility.
