Violent clashes erupted at anti-immigration rallies across Australia on March 5, 2023, leading to numerous arrests and widespread condemnation of the events. Tens of thousands of participants, including nationalists and various groups, gathered in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Canberra for the March For Australia rallies. While organizers claimed their aim was to call for reduced migration rather than express hostility toward immigrants, many attendees were accused of promoting racist and xenophobic rhetoric.
In Sydney, an estimated 15,000 people attended the rally, where some speakers advanced conspiratorial theories linking immigration to a supposed global agenda against people of Anglo-Celtic and European heritage. The presence of prominent neo-Nazi figures at the event drew sharp criticism. Cassandra Goldie, CEO of the Australian Council of Social Services, stated that such rallies should not serve as platforms for spreading hatred or misinformation. “Australia’s diversity is a great strength, not a threat,” she emphasized.
Despite the large turnout, NSW Police reported no significant incidents in Sydney, thanks to the deployment of hundreds of officers across the city. One woman was removed for allegedly breaching the peace at Hyde Park, while Acting Assistant Commissioner Scott Tanner expressed satisfaction with the crowd’s behavior, stating they followed police instructions.
In contrast, violence erupted in Melbourne between anti-immigration demonstrators and counter-protesters advocating anti-fascism and pro-Palestine causes. Officers from Victoria Police were compelled to use pepper spray to disperse the crowd, resulting in six arrests. Charges included assaulting police, behaving in a riotous manner, and resisting arrest. Additionally, two officers sustained injuries from projectiles thrown during the altercation. The estimated crowd size in Melbourne was around 5,000.
Brisbane also witnessed unrest, where approximately 6,000 protesters gathered. One man was arrested for assaulting police, while another was detained for breaching the peace. The atmosphere was tense as tensions flared during the events.
In Canberra, Pauline Hanson, leader of the One Nation party, addressed hundreds of supporters outside Parliament House, advocating for reduced migration and promoting a sense of Australian pride. Her speech veered into controversial territory, denying climate change and criticizing Indigenous Welcome to Country ceremonies. Meanwhile, a counter-demonstration of over 100 people vocally opposed the rally, chanting slogans against racism and fascism.
The events prompted further condemnation from politicians, including Cabinet Minister Murray Watt, who highlighted the involvement of neo-Nazi groups in organizing the rallies. “The fact that this is being organised and promoted by neo-Nazi groups tells us everything we need to know about the level of hatred and division that these kinds of rallies are about,” he stated.
As tensions continue to rise around immigration issues in Australia, the recent rallies underscore the deep divisions within society regarding national identity and the treatment of immigrants. The contrasting responses from law enforcement and community leaders reflect the ongoing challenges in addressing these complex issues.
