BREAKING: Thousands are set to take to the streets across Australia this Sunday, October 15, 2023, in a powerful counter-protest against anti-immigration demonstrations. The events, organized under the banner of Unite Against Racism: Migrants and Refugees Are Welcome, will unfold in major cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide.
Organizers are denouncing the concurrent March for Australia rallies, claiming they promote racist ideologies and involve extremist groups, including Nazis. Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi stated, “The far right is organized, violent, and on the march,” urging political leaders to confront the urgent threat of white supremacy and racism that endangers First Nations people and communities of color.
The counter-demonstration is backed by a coalition of unions and community groups, highlighting the imminent danger posed by the far-right movement. Shannen Potter, convenor of Labor for Civil Liberties, emphasized, “Labor needs to wake up to the threat posed by fascism, and join with the community in showing Nazis and the far-right that they aren’t welcome here. Our democracy won’t defend itself.”
Concerns are intensifying as organizers allege that the March for Australia movement seeks to implement harsh immigration laws reminiscent of policies from the Trump era, potentially allowing the government to detain non-citizens on Nauru. The involvement of controversial politicians such as Pauline Hanson and Bob Katter at previous rallies has further escalated tensions. Critics also accuse former opposition home affairs spokesman Andrew Hastie of inciting racism with misleading claims regarding the housing crisis.
The upcoming rallies follow the release of a video by ABC News seemingly showing a key organizer of the March for Australia coordinating with a Neo-Nazi during its inaugural event in Sydney last August. Reports from that event indicated that around 50,000 people attended, drawing significant media scrutiny and public concern.
As the clock ticks down to these pivotal protests, the nation watches closely. The counter-protests aim not only to challenge the far-right’s narrative but also to unite communities in a stand for equality and justice. With the growing urgency surrounding these events, citizens are encouraged to participate and voice their opposition to racism and discrimination.
Stay tuned for live updates as these demonstrations unfold and the situation develops throughout the day.
