Thousands in Australia march against immigration, government condemns rally
Anti-immigration rallies held across the country spark condemnation from the center-left government.
Thousands of Australians participated in anti-immigration rallies across the nation on Sunday, an event that the country's center-left government has condemned.
According to the group's website, March for Australia rallies were organized in Sydney and other state capitals and regional centers, with a focus on issues such as culture, wages, traffic, housing, water supply, environmental destruction, infrastructure, hospitals, crime, and loss of community.
The group emphasized its demand for an end to mass immigration, a stance that has not been taken by mainstream politicians according to the organizers.
The government has criticized these rallies, claiming they are linked to neo-Nazi groups and aim to spread hate and division within the community.
Murray Watt, a senior minister in the Labor government, stated that the government does not support such rallies and sees them as detrimental to social harmony.
Despite these claims, March for Australia organizers have not responded to allegations of being connected to neo-Nazi groups.
To address concerns about rising right-wing extremism, Australia has recently enacted laws banning the Nazi salute and the display or sale of symbols associated with terror groups, in response to a series of anti-Semitic attacks since the beginning of Israel's war in Gaza in October 2023.
Counter-protesters expressed their 'disgust and anger' at the March for Australia rally, with hundreds attending a counter-rally organized by the Refugee Action Coalition.
The rallies saw significant police presence across Sydney, resulting in no major incidents reported.
In Melbourne, some unrest was observed, with riot officers using pepper spray on demonstrators.
Bob Katter, the leader of a small populist party, attended a rally in Queensland, where he was reportedly swarmed by hundreds of supporters.
A March for Australia protester in Sydney stated that their goal is to slow down immigration due to concerns about the country's infrastructure and resources being overwhelmed.
The situation highlights the ongoing debate surrounding immigration policies and the tensions they can evoke within communities.
According to the group's website, March for Australia rallies were organized in Sydney and other state capitals and regional centers, with a focus on issues such as culture, wages, traffic, housing, water supply, environmental destruction, infrastructure, hospitals, crime, and loss of community.
The group emphasized its demand for an end to mass immigration, a stance that has not been taken by mainstream politicians according to the organizers.
The government has criticized these rallies, claiming they are linked to neo-Nazi groups and aim to spread hate and division within the community.
Murray Watt, a senior minister in the Labor government, stated that the government does not support such rallies and sees them as detrimental to social harmony.
Despite these claims, March for Australia organizers have not responded to allegations of being connected to neo-Nazi groups.
To address concerns about rising right-wing extremism, Australia has recently enacted laws banning the Nazi salute and the display or sale of symbols associated with terror groups, in response to a series of anti-Semitic attacks since the beginning of Israel's war in Gaza in October 2023.
Counter-protesters expressed their 'disgust and anger' at the March for Australia rally, with hundreds attending a counter-rally organized by the Refugee Action Coalition.
The rallies saw significant police presence across Sydney, resulting in no major incidents reported.
In Melbourne, some unrest was observed, with riot officers using pepper spray on demonstrators.
Bob Katter, the leader of a small populist party, attended a rally in Queensland, where he was reportedly swarmed by hundreds of supporters.
A March for Australia protester in Sydney stated that their goal is to slow down immigration due to concerns about the country's infrastructure and resources being overwhelmed.
The situation highlights the ongoing debate surrounding immigration policies and the tensions they can evoke within communities.
