Surge of Anti-Immigration Sentiment: Thousands Rally in Australia

Sat Sep 13 2025 09:29:24 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Large-scale anti-immigration rallies erupted across major Australian cities, featuring speeches from politicians and extremist figures, amid rising tensions surrounding immigration policies.

In a demonstration against immigration policies, up to 15,000 protesters rallied in places like Sydney and Melbourne, some associated with far-right groups. The government condemned the events as promoting hate, while counter-protests occurred simultaneously. Key speeches were made by right-wing politicians and controversial individuals known for extremist views. The government reaffirmed its support for diversity and social cohesion, rejecting the ideologies expressed at the marches.

Thousands of Australians have turned out for anti-immigration rallies across the country that were condemned by the government as having far-right links and spreading hate.

March for Australia rallies took place in Sydney, Melbourne, and other major cities - and several clashes occurred as marchers faced counter demonstrations.

A number of opposition politicians joined the marches, including One Nation senator Pauline Hanson and federal MP Bob Katter.

Australia has experienced a recent rise in right-wing extremism, prompting new legislation this year that made the Nazi salute punishable by mandatory prison term.

Up to 8,000 people assembled for the Sydney rally, according to ABC Australia. Police deployed hundreds of officers across the city but reported no significant incidents.

In Melbourne, protesters clashed with attendees of a separate pro-Palestine rally, where known neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell addressed the crowd from the steps of Parliament House.

In Adelaide, police estimated that 15,000 people participated in both a rally and a counter-demonstration, describing the crowds as generally well-behaved, according to local media.

One demonstrator was seen with a placard expressing support for Dezi Freeman, a conspiracy theorist and self-proclaimed sovereign citizen accused of shooting dead two police officers earlier this week. A large-scale manhunt is currently underway for Freeman.

The marches were promoted by several opposition politicians, neo-Nazi figures, and some anti-lockdown campaigners who gained prominence during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The March for Australia website claims that Australia's unity and shared values have been eroded by policies and movements that divide us, asserting that mass migration has negatively impacted the community bonds.

Concerns expressed by the group also included issues like culture, wages, infrastructure, and social services.

In response, the government stated its position against the rallies, highlighting that there is no place for any type of hate in Australia. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated, We stand with modern Australia against these rallies – nothing could be less Australian.
Dr. Anne Aly, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, emphasized their commitment to defending diversity and standing against divisive actions.