Thousands of protesters rallied in Brisbane on March 3, 2024, voicing their opposition to immigration policies during the **March for Australia**. The event commenced around midday at **Roma Street Parklands** and drew a significant crowd that made its way through the city center, passing key locations including **King George Square** and the **Botanic Gardens**.
Participants carried a variety of placards and Australian flags, expressing their discontent with what they described as “endless migration, weak leadership, and political cowardice.” A Facebook event for the rally stated, “Australia is changing in ways most of us never agreed to. People are waking up to a country they barely recognise.” This protest follows a substantial **March for Palestine** held just a week prior, indicating a rising trend of public demonstrations in the area.
The turnout for the rally was substantial, prompting a robust police presence to ensure safety amid the gathering. In addition to the main protest, a counter-demonstration took place, featuring individuals advocating for various causes, including **transgender rights**, **Palestinian rights**, and **Aboriginal rights**. Counter-protesters displayed banners with messages such as “no Nazis, never again,” highlighting the tensions surrounding the event.
Concerns regarding safety have escalated, particularly within Queensland’s **Indian community**, which was advised to remain at home due to fears of potential violent confrontations. The presence of far-right nationalists and neo-Nazi groups at similar rallies across Australia has drawn widespread condemnation.
Despite the charged atmosphere, **Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie** defended the protestors’ right to demonstrate while calling for calm. His remarks aimed to foster a peaceful dialogue amidst increasing polarization in public sentiment regarding immigration and national identity.
The protests in Brisbane reflect broader concerns about immigration policies and their impact on Australian society. As movements like the **March for Australia** continue to gain traction, the discussions surrounding these issues are likely to remain at the forefront of public discourse in the coming months.
