Western Australian police have confirmed that they proactively blocked 15 individuals associated with 'issue motivated groups' from attending Anzac Day commemorations, following disruptions that occurred during earlier ceremonies in the eastern states. The move came after booing was heard during the Indigenous acknowledgment of country at services in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth.
Incidents at Anzac Day Services
At the Sydney dawn service at Martin Place, one man was arrested after a small but noisy interjection of booing during the Indigenous acknowledgment. Similar booing marred ceremonies in Melbourne and Perth, drawing widespread condemnation from First Nations leaders, RSL officials, and state premiers.
Anti-Immigration Group Involvement
Ahead of Anzac Day, the anti-immigration group Fight for Australia, formerly known as March for Australia, encouraged supporters to contact RSL branches and request that the welcome to country not be included in ceremonies. Footage posted online on Sunday showed police in Perth approaching five people and blocking them from attending the dawn service, citing their association with the group.
Police informed the individuals: 'Due to your association with the March for Australia group and their actions in the eastern states, you are being removed from the ceremony due to the belief you will interrupt it. If you fail to leave, you will be arrested, and you will be taken to Perth watch house. Your association to that group has unfortunately ruined your opportunity to remain at the ceremony today.'
Police Response
In a statement, Western Australian police said they removed 15 people—14 in Perth and one in regional WA—who were identified as members of 'issue motivated groups.' No arrests were made. 'WA Police attended to protect the dignity of the commemorations, maintain public safety, and ensure the community could pay their respects without disruption,' the statement read. 'As a result of police intervention, the group was removed without incident, and the dawn service proceeded uninterrupted. These actions reflect the behaviour of a small minority and do not represent the values of the overwhelming majority of people who attended ANZAC Day services respectfully across WA.'
Condemnation and Reactions
Writing in Guardian Australia, Indigenous academic Marcia Langton called the disruptors 'morons' and said they 'should be named, photographed and banned from all future Anzac Day services.' New South Wales police reported arresting a 24-year-old man for an alleged act of nuisance, alleging he booed at the Cenotaph site in Martin Place. Victoria police stated they were aware of two incidents of booing during the dawn service at the Shrine of Remembrance but were unable to identify anyone, and no arrests have been made.
Federal opposition leader Angus Taylor told ABC's Insiders on Sunday that booing was 'absolutely inappropriate and un-Australian' but expressed understanding for 'the frustration Australians feel about over-use of welcomes to country.' He suggested that welcomes to country should be used less frequently to maintain their significance, leaving the decision to individual organising committees.
