Thousands in Australia march against immigration, government condemns rally
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Demonstrators marched in cities across Australia in “March for Australia” rallies, demanding cuts to what they called “mass immigration”. The protests drew strong counter-demonstrations, with opponents branding the movement racist and stressing that migrants are the backbone of the country.
Police maintained a heavy presence to prevent clashes, though there were tense exchanges. Arrests were limited: three in Adelaide – one for assaulting police and two for refusing to identify themselves while wearing disguises – a woman in Sydney for breaching the peace, and at least one person in Melbourne’s CBD.
In Brisbane, counter-protesters carried banners reading “Go home racists” and “Blame billionaires, not migrants”, while waving national flags. A brief moment of calm was also observed at Hobart’s rally, despite heated rhetoric elsewhere.
Federal MP Bob Katter addressed supporters in Townsville, referencing his recent clash with a journalist over his Lebanese heritage. Meanwhile, political leaders distanced themselves from the rallies: South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said multiculturalism was part of the state’s “very essence”, while opposition leader Vincent Tarzia stressed unity over division.
Local voices in Broome also rejected the rallies, saying they did not reflect community values.
