Tensions Erupt at Anti-Immigration Rallies Across Australia
Australia witnessed a surge of protests on Saturday, as thousands of people attended anti-immigration rallies in multiple cities, prompting clashes with counter-protesters and a heavy police presence.
In Melbourne, a large crowd gathered outside Flinders Street Station, waving Australian flags and chanting slogans, with some participants wearing provocative clothing.
A rival anti-racism group also converged on the area, leading to tensions and brief scuffles between the two groups.
Police deployed pepper spray and used horses to maintain order.
Political Leaders Condemn Hate and Racism
In the lead-up to the rallies, political leaders urged calm and warned that violence and racism have no place in Australian society.
Federal opposition leader Sussan Ley stressed that hatred and fear must not be allowed to erode social cohesion.
Cabinet minister Murray Watt condemned the anti-migrant rallies, linking them to neo-Nazi groups and expressing concern about the targeting of multicultural communities.
Liberal Senator James Paterson, a long-time advocate for stricter migration laws, acknowledged that many Australians hold sincere views on the topic.
However, he cautioned that neo-Nazis were likely to be present at the rallies and urged against the targeting of specific groups, including Indian Australians, labelling it “shameful and wrong”.
Rallies Held in Multiple Cities
In addition to Melbourne, large crowds gathered in Sydney, Brisbane, and Canberra.
In Sydney, protesters carried signs reading “Albo’s got to go”, while in Canberra, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson addressed the crowd, stating that those who do not love Australia should leave.
Her colleague Malcolm Roberts also spoke, arguing that mass immigration is not in Australia’s interests.
Despite the tense atmosphere, authorities reported no major incidents or arrests.
Police commanders had vowed to take a zero-tolerance approach to violent acts or criminal behaviour.
Misinformation and Controversy
In the days prior to the rallies, social media posts and talkback radio claims surfaced, stating that 1500 migrants arrive in Australia daily.
However, the Australian Bureau of Statistics disputed these numbers, warning that they do not accurately reflect immigration trends.
2 Comments
I don’t know what rally you attended if you even did because where I was in Brisbane it was a great atmosphere. The police were chilled. No trouble at all. I believe it was the same in Sydney.
Point 1 – it was Sunday nor Saturday.
Point 2 – any other culture assimilating to this Country should consider themselves Australian-XYZ NOT XYZ-Australian. This shows they are true to Australia
Point 3 – Most of the pre scare mongering was done by media and any incidents were perpetrated bu other groups. Australia First people did not instigate the issues.
In summary, proof read and fact check first.