Thousands gathered in cities across Australia on Sunday for anti-immigration rallies organized by the group "March for Australia," sparking sharp condemnation from the government over alleged ties to neo-Nazi groups. Demonstrations took place in Sydney, regional centers, and state capitals, with participants claiming mass migration has strained community cohesion, infrastructure, and housing.
Senior Labor Minister Murray Watt denounced the rallies, stating they aimed to "spread hate" rather than foster unity. "We don't support rallies that divide our community," he told Sky News, emphasizing links to extremist groups. The protests follow heightened scrutiny of right-wing extremism in Australia, where nearly half the population has overseas-born roots.
New laws banning Nazi salutes and terror-linked symbols took effect this year amid rising antisemitic incidents tied to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Protest organizers cited concerns over wages, environmental impacts, and public services, though critics argue their rhetoric risks normalizing far-right ideologies.
Australia's immigration debate unfolds against a backdrop of record-high migration levels, with policymakers balancing economic needs against social integration challenges.
