Major cities across Australia saw large turnouts today as “March for Australia” rallies and counter-protests took place, with police estimating tens of thousands of participants nationwide. While most gatherings were peaceful, some incidents led to arrests in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney.
Anti-Immigration Protest Turns Violent in Melbourne
As nationwide “March for Australia” rallies unfolded today, Melbourne became a flashpoint for violent clashes, prompting police to use pepper spray and make at least one arrest in the CBD.
Melbourne Rally Erupts into Chaos
The protest began near Flinders Street Station and quickly escalated as anti-immigration demonstrators, including far-right figures, clashed with counter-protesters. Police deployed riot squads and mounted units to maintain control amid flying objects and tense standoffs.
During the conflict, at least one person was arrested. The individual was detained as violence intensified in the downtown streets.
Authorities Readiness and Community Impact
Victoria Police issued warnings ahead of the event, designating the CBD as a ‘designated area’, granting officers increased powers such as searching attendees and preventing face coverings.
National Response
Government officials struck back against the rallies. Premier Jacinta Allan famously condemned the protesters as “unhinged grubs,” while the Labor Government labelled the events far-right and divisive.
The Federal Government and multicultural advocates reaffirmed support for diversity and inclusion, calling on all Australians to resist intolerance, and emphasised that this protest did not represent the broader community values.
Looking Ahead
While calm has somewhat returned to the CBD, the events in Melbourne underscore growing tensions around immigration and the influence of extremist groups. As authorities assess the damage and implications of the clashes, support for peaceful dialogue and community unity remains critical.
15,000 Rally in Adelaide
South Australian police reported that around 15,000 people took part in protests in Adelaide, including both the March for Australia rally and a counter-rally. Authorities described the crowds as “generally well-behaved” but confirmed three arrests - including one for assaulting police and two others for refusing to provide details while wearing disguises.
The Adelaide march began at Rundle Park, moved to Parliament House, and ended at Peace Park. Tensions flared briefly when a member of the National Socialist Network attempted to speak on stage, sparking a scuffle before police intervened. Organisers later clarified that the group was not invited to participate.
Brisbane Counter-Rallies
In Brisbane, protesters were met by counter-demonstrators at Roma Street Parklands. Supporters of multiculturalism waved flags and chanted in support of migrants as police maintained a heavy presence. Exchanges were heated, but the rallies remained largely under control.
Melbourne Confrontations
In Melbourne’s CBD, clashes broke out on Bourke Street, forcing mounted police to move in and disperse crowds. One arrest was confirmed after skirmishes between opposing groups. Shoppers and pedestrians were caught in the disruption as chanting echoed through the city streets.
Sydney Protest Remains Largely Peaceful
NSW Police deployed hundreds of officers across Sydney, including riot squads, mounted units, and even PolAir. While one woman was arrested in Hyde Park for breaching the peace, police described the day overall as free of “major incidents.” The Sydney Harbour Bridge and nearby routes were closely monitored throughout the afternoon.
Political Leaders React
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said the rallies represented a “minority view,” stressing that multiculturalism is celebrated in South Australia. “97.6% of South Australians have immigrant heritage,” he said, “and the vast majority are proud of it.”
Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia echoed calls for calm, noting that Australia had long been a “country of abundance for migrants” and urging protestors to avoid violence.
Organisers Defend Motives
Adelaide rally organiser Mark Aldridge rejected claims that the movement is “anti-migration,” saying it was about addressing “mass immigration at a time when Australians are struggling”. He pointed to housing shortages and pressure on hospitals as reasons why immigration levels should be reduced until resources improve.
A Divided Debate
The protests highlight the deepening divide over immigration policy in Australia. While some argue that migration levels should be reduced due to housing and infrastructure strains, others stress that immigrants remain vital to Australia’s cultural and economic strength.
With tensions flaring but thousands participating peacefully, the rallies show that immigration remains one of the most contested issues in Australia’s national conversation.
Read next: Housing crisis and migration in Australia · Multiculturalism and social cohesion in Australian cities
