Key Takeaways
- An anti-immigration protest and counter-rally took place in Melbourne’s CBD on Sunday, with a large police presence.
- The protests remained largely peaceful, with no violent clashes reported.
- One man was arrested for possessing knuckle dusters, and two people were given move-on directions.
- Police are investigating the alleged display of a Nazi symbol and other incidents involving offensive behavior.
- The counter-protest dispersed at about 1pm, shortly before One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson addressed the Put Australia First rally.
Introduction to the Protests
The city of Melbourne witnessed a significant gathering of protesters on Sunday, as an anti-immigration protest and counter-rally drew a large crowd to the CBD. The anti-immigration group, Put Australia First, began marching outside Flinders Street Station shortly before midday, with protesters chanting "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie". The group expressed their desire for immigration reform that preserves Australian values, and also voiced their opposition to digital IDs and a net zero emissions target. Meanwhile, a counter-protest gathered outside the State Library, expressing support for migrants, women, and the trans community.
Police Presence and Precautions
Ahead of the protests, police powers were ramped up in anticipation of potential tensions and violence. This decision was made after two officers were hospitalized during clashing rallies in the Melbourne CBD in October. Riot police were stationed along Swanston Street, and police were given greater search powers in a large section of the CBD, including the ability to stop and search people for prohibited weapons without a warrant. Police also had the authority to search vehicles and force people to remove face coverings. These precautions were taken to ensure the safety of both protesters and civilians, as the marches coincided with the opening of the Metro Tunnel and pre-Christmas sales, which were expected to draw large crowds to the city.
The Protests and Incidents
Despite the heavy rain, the protests remained largely peaceful, with no violent clashes reported. However, there were some incidents that required police attention. One man was arrested on Swanston Street after officers searched him and allegedly located knuckle dusters. Two people were given move-on directions from Flagstaff Gardens, and police are investigating the alleged display of a Nazi symbol during the rallies. Additionally, an unknown man threw a can of drink at police officers, and there were other incidents involving offensive behavior. The counter-protesters, who carried a large banner that read "Unite to fight the right!", were seen yelling into megaphones nearby police, and an effigy was set alight.
Senator Pauline Hanson’s Address
The counter-protest dispersed at about 1pm, shortly before One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson addressed the Put Australia First rally at Flagstaff Gardens. Senator Hanson expressed her pride in seeing the Australian flags flying with pride and people from different cultural backgrounds coming together. She welcomed those who have come to Australia to find a new life and acknowledged the hard work they have put in to become part of the nation. However, she also expressed her concern about the division that is happening in the country, particularly in the state of Victoria. She emphasized the importance of being proud of Australian culture and embracing it, while also acknowledging other cultures around the world.
Conclusion and Aftermath
The relative calm of the rallies contrasted with scenes during countering protests last month, which led to multiple arrests. The police presence and precautions taken ahead of the protests likely contributed to the peaceful outcome. The investigation into the alleged display of a Nazi symbol and other incidents involving offensive behavior is ongoing. The declaration of a large section of Melbourne’s CBD as a area subject to greater police search powers will remain in effect for six months, allowing police to stop and search people for prohibited weapons without a warrant. The city can now breathe a sigh of relief, as the protests have passed without major incident, and the community can continue to come together to promote unity and understanding.