Victorian Opposition Leader Brad Battin has condemned the “March for Australia” anti-immigration rallies planned for this weekend, warning that the events risk spreading division and targeting multicultural communities.
“We condemn these rallies and the abhorrent messaging associated with them. Victoria is a proudly multicultural and multifaith state, and the Liberals and Nationals will always stand with all Victorians, no matter their background,” Battin said in a statement on Friday.
The release said the Victorian Liberals and Nationals were “seriously concerned by the anti-Indian sentiment in some of the promotional material for the events published by the anonymous organisers.”
“Our state has been built on the contributions of generations of migrants who have made Victoria their home, and we are stronger for it. Any attempt to incite hatred or division against any community is completely unacceptable,” Battin added.
Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs Evan Mulholland described the targeting of Indian Australians as “a shameful echo of the anti-immigrant sentiment once aimed at so many other communities.” He said multicultural and multifaith groups were “the heart and soul of Victoria” and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to “a generous and well-managed immigration program that provides the infrastructure and services needed to support a growing population and ensure all Victorians can thrive.”
The Liberals and Nationals pledged to legislate a protest registration system and reinstate move-on powers, which they argue would give police stronger tools to prevent clashes and maintain public safety. They noted Victoria is the only state without a statewide protest permit system, despite repeated calls from Victoria Police and business groups.
While the statement acknowledged the right to peaceful protest, it drew a sharp line against messaging that targets migrants. “We will always support the right to peaceful protest but there is no place in Victoria for the politics of division and hate,” Battin said.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
