UPDATE: Thousands of Australians have gathered for Invasion Day rallies and anti-immigration protests today, with a significant threat disrupting events in Perth. Just moments ago, police reported an object was thrown into the crowd at the rally in Forrest Place, prompting immediate evacuations and the deployment of significant police resources.
Authorities have established an exclusion zone, urging the public to avoid the area.
“Members of the public are asked to stay away from the area and await further advice,”
stated WA Police. One individual is currently in custody and is assisting with inquiries.
As temperatures soared across the nation, protesters in Melbourne conducted a smoking ceremony at parliament house, voicing their demands for changing the date of Australia Day or replacing it with a day of mourning. Activists, including Millie Ingram, delivered poignant speeches, with Ingram reading a statement from Uncle Mark Brown, a Burunong Elder who has faced hostility in the past.
In a show of solidarity, crowds chanted “Always was, always will be” and “What do we want? Land rights. When do we want them? Now.” Meanwhile, police maintained a heavy presence to prevent clashes with a nearby March for Australia rally, which featured chants of “deportation” and displays of support for Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party.
In Sydney, tensions rose as March for Australia protesters shouted “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie – oi, oi, oi,” while some displayed signs supporting neo-Nazi Joel Davis, currently held on remand for allegedly harassing a federal MP. Earlier, an Invasion Day protest began at Hyde Park, paying tribute to victims of the recent Lake Cargelligo shooting.
As clashes erupted between opposing groups, police were quick to intervene. Riot and mounted police guided demonstrators, ensuring safety as confrontations escalated. NSW Premier Chris Minns expressed hope for peaceful protests, stating there would be “no tolerance for violence or hate speech on Sydney’s streets.”
Across Australia, similar rallies unfolded in Brisbane and other capital cities, highlighting the nation’s deep divisions over immigration and Indigenous rights. The situation remains fluid, with police actively monitoring developments.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
