Key Takeaways:
- The March for Australia and Invasion Day rallies took place in Melbourne’s CBD on Australia Day, with a large police presence separating the two groups.
- The March for Australia rally was attended by neo-Nazis, who were present in numbers but kept a lower profile than at previous events.
- The rally featured chants referencing the great replacement theory and support for a member of the disbanded National Socialist Network.
- The event was marred by technical issues, including a malfunctioning PA system, which led to a shorter rally and early departures by some attendees.
- The police presence was credited with preventing clashes between the two groups, but some critics argued that the lack of organization by protesters also played a role.
Introduction to the Rival Rallies
The city of Melbourne witnessed two rival rallies on Australia Day, with the March for Australia and Invasion Day events taking place just one city block apart. The fact that the two groups did not come into contact with each other was a testament to the large police presence, which included helmeted officers and a reinforced line separating the two groups. The March for Australia rally, which took place on Lonsdale Street, was attended by a crowd of anti-immigration protesters, while the Invasion Day rally, which made its way down Bourke Street, was attended by those protesting against the celebration of Australia Day.
The Role of Neo-Nazis in the March for Australia
The March for Australia rally was notable for the presence of neo-Nazis, who were present in numbers but kept a lower profile than at previous events. In August last year, the National Socialist Network (NSN) had set the tone for the rally, with their leader making a speech and their members engaging in scuffles with police. However, this time around, the NSN was not as overt in their presence, and did not march in a bloc or wear their trademark black spray jackets and caps. Despite this, they still managed to start and sustain a number of chants, including one referencing the great replacement theory, which suggests that non-white people will out-populate white people in Western countries.
The March for Australia Rally
The March for Australia rally was marked by chaos and disorganization, with many in the crowd growing impatient with the malfunctioning PA system. The rally featured speeches by two One Nation politicians and rally organizer Hugo Lennon, but many attendees missed these due to the technical issues. The crowd was also seen chanting and singing, with renditions of Waltzing Matilda and "Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi" being interspersed with more provocative chants. Despite the chaos, the rally was ultimately shorter than expected, with many attendees giving up and heading to the pub instead.
The Police Presence and Prevention of Clashes
The police presence was credited with preventing clashes between the two groups, with a large contingent of officers separating the March for Australia and Invasion Day rallies. The police line was heavily reinforced, and officers were able to direct the anti-immigration protesters towards the steps of Parliament House, where they set up their podium and made their speeches. While some critics argued that the lack of organization by protesters also played a role in preventing clashes, the police presence was widely seen as the key factor in maintaining order.
Conclusion and Reflection
In conclusion, the rival rallies on Australia Day in Melbourne highlighted the deep divisions in the country over issues such as immigration, race, and colonialism. The presence of neo-Nazis at the March for Australia rally was a concerning aspect of the event, and the chants and slogans used by the crowd were often provocative and divisive. However, the police presence was able to prevent clashes between the two groups, and the event ultimately passed off without major incident. As the country continues to grapple with these complex issues, it is likely that we will see more rallies and protests in the future, and it is essential that we find ways to address these divisions and promote greater understanding and respect for different perspectives.
