URGENT UPDATE: Thousands are set to rally today across major Australian cities in a counter-protest against the anti-immigration March for Australia demonstrations, raising alarms over rising far-right sentiments. The events, organized by Unite Against Racism, will take place in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide starting this afternoon.
As tensions escalate, counter-protest organizers claim the March for Australia rallies are riddled with racism and involvement from extremist groups, including Neo-Nazis. Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi stated, “The far right is organized, violent, and on the march,” highlighting the urgent need for political leaders to confront the realities of white supremacy and racism impacting marginalized communities.
The counter-demonstration, backed by a coalition of unions and community groups, asserts that the threat from the far-right is not only real but growing. 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.”
Recent reports indicate that the March for Australia movement aims to implement controversial policies reminiscent of Trump-style deportation laws, allowing the government to send non-citizens to Nauru. These claims have been fueled by remarks from politicians like Pauline Hanson and Bob Katter, who have previously addressed March for Australia rallies.
The backdrop for these demonstrations follows alarming footage released by ABC News, which appears to show a key organizer of the March for Australia coordinating with a Neo-Nazi during a previous event in August. Approximately 50,000 people attended those events nationwide, drawing significant media attention and parallel counter-protests on the same day.
As the clock ticks down to the rallies, the stakes are high. The growing mobilization against perceived threats from the far-right underscores a critical moment for Australian democracy, with organizers and participants alike calling for solidarity and action.
Stay tuned for live updates as these events unfold throughout the day.
