Anti-immigration rallies swept across Australia today, drawing crowds in capital cities and regional centres, as protesters voiced anger at government migration policies and housing pressures. While organisers insisted the marches were grassroots and patriotic, the events were overshadowed in some pockets by extremist elements, visible neo-Nazi participation, and heated references to Indian immigration.
In Melbourne, outside Victoria’s Parliament House, members of the National Socialist Network (White Australia) attended without masks. Earlier, as independent journalist Avi Yemini approached the group to question them, he was booed and pushed around. The group’s leader, Thomas Sewell, was accused of orchestrating the confrontation. Sewell has long been linked to embedding far-right messages into broader anti-migration campaigns, and his presence underlined the risk of extremist capture.
On stage, a March for Australia speaker made the rally’s purpose clear. “The reason why we’re gathered here today, as I couldn’t make clearer, is to call for an end to mass immigration. It is nothing less than the fact that those traitors in Canberra have ignored us for long enough.” The line was met with chants of “Aussie Aussie Aussie, fight fight fight,” transforming a sporting cheer into a political slogan.
The speaker went further, citing official statistics. “He said the statement that we put on the flyer, which is factual, that more Indians arrived in Australia in 5 years than Greeks and Italians. It’s a simple numerical comparison.” The reference was greeted with cheers, highlighting how Indian migration has become a touchstone in the current debate.
The rallies also looked ahead. The same speaker vowed to “take back” Australia Day, promising a larger mobilisation on 26 January 2026 in defiance of Invasion Day commemorations. The announcement signalled that today’s gatherings were a staging post for a longer campaign.
In Sydney, a significant crowd gathered at Belmore Park, Haymarket, led by Cumberland City councillor Steve Christou and NSW MLC John Ruddick, both members of the Libertarian Party. Christou declared: “We’re here down at Belmore Park, Haymarket, with Australians sticking up for their country. We are sick of this federal government taking us for granted.”
Ruddick used his platform to call for a five-year immigration pause. “All I can see here is 1 million Aussie flags. Don’t believe the liars who tell you it’s full of extremists,” he told the crowd. His comments aimed to push back against the government’s portrayal of the events as “far-right activism grounded in racism.”
Reactions online reflected the divide. Aus Integrity, a prominent account with over 40,000 followers, congratulated participants on what it called “peaceful marches across the country.” Another commentator, Thecoltfromoldregret, warned: “They will only focus on the outburst in Melbourne & try to tarnish everyone.” Others highlighted Brisbane’s turnout as a “massive show of strength.”
Youth leader Elvis Martin condemned the rally in strong terms, saying, “Today’s so-called ‘March for Australia’ is nothing more than a neo-Nazi hate rally. To those attending and pretending you’re fighting for Australia — you’re not. You are not what Australia stands for; you are an embarrassment to this country. This filth has no place on our streets, no place in our communities, and no place in our country.”
Political observers struck a different note. Kos Samaras, director at RedBridge Group, mocked the hype around the rallies: “It seems the AI-generated promotional images of today’s rallies drew a bigger crowd than the rallies themselves. A fitting analogy: the loudest voices on this platform are often just fringe dwellers and at the ballot box, they get fringe results. Looks like a little picnic gathering. Did you bring a cut lunch?”
Still, concern about emboldened extremists lingered. One attendee, who declined to be named, said: “These rallies will now grow. They will organise more rallies and this is how the Nazis slowly shape up. They have actually today come out emboldened, although many in the crowd were against them and they were booed as well. But still this is a show of strength against immigration. Surely politicians will be taking note of this.”
Last month’s dawn march by the National Socialist Network through Melbourne’s CBD, with a banner declaring “Australia for the White Man,” was described by Sewell as “our biggest march in history.” Their open participation today reinforced how far they have come from the fringes into the frame of national protests.
The Indian Sun’s own National Survey, published earlier this week, showed that 82 per cent of respondents want migration levels reduced. But when asked to name their top issue, cost of living came first, followed by housing affordability, with immigration third. That gap matters: it shows frustration with affordability is being converted into anger at migration, even though the link is far from straightforward.
As the rallies continued through the afternoon, two contrasting images stood out. Rows of flags and chants echoed across city squares, while on the edges, clusters of neo-Nazis sought to harness the discontent for their cause. That tension between patriotic slogans and extremist presence will likely shape how today is remembered—and whether January 26 becomes the next flashpoint.
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
