Neo-Nazi figure Thomas Sewell has been sentenced to a community corrections order requiring 200 hours of community work after a racist protest outside the Chinese Consulate in Melbourne.
The sentence follows Sewell’s role in a demonstration outside the Chinese Consulate in Toorak on October 26, 2024, where he and a group of masked neo-Nazis chanted “white man fight back” and directed racial abuse at the diplomatic mission.
The protest came after a Chinese national allegedly poured hot coffee over a baby in Brisbane before leaving Australia. Authorities allege the man fled the country before he could be detained.
Sewell argued the demonstration was prompted by the absence of an extradition treaty between Australia and China. He maintained his group was protesting because there was no legal mechanism to return the alleged offender to face justice over what he described as a “horrific crime”. He also argued that his actions amounted to free speech, political communication and participation in public debate.
During sentencing, Magistrate Patrick Southey rejected that argument, finding the gathering amounted to racist intimidation rather than legitimate political expression.
“I know you’ve lived in this county a long time but some might say you’re yet to learn what it is to be Australian,” Southey said.
“We’re meant to be an easy-going, tolerant, diverse society, made up of all sorts of backgrounds, welcoming to immigrants – like you. I can’t fine you enough, in my view. Parliament needs to think about that.”
The magistrate described the protest as “unmistakably a repugnant, neo-Nazi gathering” that would have left any reasonable person who witnessed those involved “humiliating people in public questioning what Australia was coming to.”
Outside court, Sewell criticised the sentence and the magistrate’s remarks, claiming the court had sought to punish his political expression rather than the protest itself. He told reporters his community work would involve knitting beanies for homeless children, describing it as a “200-hour knitting order”.
As he addressed the media, Sewell repeatedly interrupted his statement to direct abuse at nearby counter-protesters, calling them “communist traitors”, before resuming his remarks.
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
