Anthony Albanese has joined widespread condemnation of anti-immigration rallies across the country at the weekend, accusing them of “giving neo-nazis a platform.”
Tens of thousands gathered across capital cities for the “March for Australia” rallies on Sunday — some in peaceful protest, others in counter-demonstrations that descended into violent clashes and arrests.
While some claimed to attend to demand an end to what they called “mass immigration,” political leaders condemned right-wing extremists who hijacked events.
That included known Neo-Nazi figure Thomas Sewell joining speakers on the steps of Victoria’s Parliament House and a group of black-clad demonstrators who descended on First Nations protest site Camp Sovereignty.
Minister of Multicultural Affairs Anne Aly said the gatherings were “organised by Nazis” and labelled people who promoted anti-migrant ideas “racists.”
“Targeting specific ethnic groups, like the wave of anti-Indian sentiment that we saw over the weekend — that is racism. Full stop. No excuses, no nuance, no justification,” she said.
Camera IconTraffic was ground to a standstill by the massive march. Credit: Simon Hydzik/7NEWS/supplied
“No-one in Australia should have to justify their belonging in this country.
“It’s very clear from the conduct that was observed at these marches, that these marches were a con by the far-right neo-nazis to prey on some legitimate concerns around housing and around the cost of living in order to propagate their anti-immigration racist agenda.”
The Prime Minister cited his 94-majority election win which delivered Australia’s more diverse Parliament to argue Australia had long moved beyond the White Australia Policy.
“What we have here is Neo-nazis being given a platform. The tone of course of much of the rallies was unfortunate,” Mr Albanese said on Monday.
“And the idea that an open Neo-Nazi was able to give a speech from the steps of the Victorian Parliament is something that isn’t the Australian way.”
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said Australia was in a “social cohesion crisis,” and called for stronger leadership.
“This past weekend rallies occurred across Australia, attended by people of goodwill, but hijacked by neo-Nazis spouting hate, racism and resorting to politically motivated violence,” she said in a statement.
“That can never be accepted. Extremism has no place in Australia. We must never import the bitterness of overseas conflicts into our communities.”
Labor MP Josh Burns accused the Coalition of having confused views after Liberal Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price congratulated the protesters when speaking at a forum in Darwin on Monday.
Mr Albanese said public office holders “have an important role to play in promoting national unity.”
“I saw her comments and they don’t reflect my view of the rallies. We need to cherish who we are and social cohesion,” he said.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson was also among Parliamentarians to support the movement, appearing and delivering a speech at the Canberra rally.
Independent MP Bob Katter, who helped promote the rallies and also addressed one in Queensland, used parliamentary question time on Monday to ask the PM if he would listen to what he called “the will of the people” who took the streets.
“Regarding the will of the people – that’s called elections,” the PM responded.
Camera IconMr Cook said those walking for the same cause as neo-nazis should reconsider next time. Credit: Ian Munro/The West Australian
“And they voted for a Government that would understand that our diversity is a strength in modern Australia.
“A different nation than it was under the White Australia Policy some time ago.”
Perth’s 10,000-strong rally was largely peaceful, though tensions flared when neo-Nazis clashed with protesters.
In one instance, an individual was targeted after trying to speak outside WA’s Parliament.
Three people were charged and 13 issued move-on notices in WA.
Those charged included a 39-year-old East Perth man for obstructing an officer and two Bibra Lake teens, an 18-year-old woman for carrying an edged weapon and 19-year-old for obstructing a public officer. All will face court at a later date.
The neo-Nazis could be heard yelling “Heil Australia” and wearing Helly Hanson jackets with the “HH” logo on them.The protest was also attended by One Nation WA MP Rod Caddies, who spoke at the rally.
Premier Roger Cook described the rallies as a disgrace, saying those involved were “simply trying to demonise people in the community as part of some sort of campaign of division and hatred.”
Camera IconThree people who took part in the anti-immigration rally in Perth’s CBD have been charged by police. There is no suggestion the people in this photograph were charged. Credit: Ian Munro/The West Australian
Mr Cook said those walking for the same cause as neo-nazis should reconsider next time.
“Yesterday you saw in Perth a whole range of neo-nazis walking alongside those who were rallying yesterday, if your cause aligns with the neo-nazi movement, you know you’re on the wrong track,” he said.
“Stop it, stop trying to demonise people in our community and particular groups in our community, because that only breeds further hatred, it breeds division and it breeds racism — stop it.”
Mr Cook decried what he said was an effort to demonise certain parts of the community.
“These marches are a disgrace, they are rejecting the very foundations of our multicultural society and immigration has shaped the modern Australian community and has built and done so much to enrich our society,” he said.
“These people (protesters) are just simply trying to demonise people in the community as part of some sort of campaign of division and hatred.”
Camera IconTens of thousands gathered across capital cities for the “March for Australia” rallies on Sunday. Credit: Carwyn Monck/The West Australian
State Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas, a son of a Greek immigrant himself, said while he respected the right to protest it had to be done with respect and within the law.
“Nobody should feel unsafe, nobody should feel threatened, and groups that preach some form of hate speak should never be encouraged or welcomed when gathering amongst the population of Western Australia, as took place yesterday,” he said.
Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie said the protests were an embarrassment, and questioned who would want to march alongside the extremists.
“You have to ask what sort of people are standing up with those neo-Nazis and the thuggery that is going on because you’re embarrassing the country and you’re embarrassing yourselves,” she said.
“Quite frankly, I think most Australians have had a gutful of it.”
Shadow immigration minister Paul Scarr said there needed to be a careful conversation on immigration to ensure neo-Nazis did not get a foothold in the debate.
“I was dismayed at some of the material, and members of our Indian community were really distressed, they consider themselves Australians, they’re wonderful Australians, helping Australians in need in times of crises,” he said.
