SYDNEY, Australia — A day of nationwide protests intended to highlight anti-immigration sentiment across Australia descended into violent clashes and brawls on Sunday, with police using pepper spray and batons to separate duelling factions in Melbourne’s city center.
The confrontations marked a dangerous escalation in the country’s heated debate over immigration and national identity.
While rallies were held in major cities, it was in Melbourne and Sydney that tensions boiled over, exposing the deep divisions in Australian society.
The events were a far cry from peaceful demonstrations, as attendees from both sides—those protesting against immigration and counter-protesters—engaged in physical altercations that required a massive police response.
Melbourne’s City Centre: A Flashpoint
The most significant violence of the day occurred in Melbourne, where a planned “March for Australia” was met by a determined coalition of counter-protesters, including pro-Palestine and anti-fascist groups.
The groups converged near Flinders Street Station, and within minutes, the situation became volatile.
Video footage showed groups of men from both sides throwing punches and brawling in the street, with a bottle and a beer can being hurled over police lines.
Victoria Police were forced to intervene with force, deploying riot police to separate the crowds. Officers used pepper spray against a group of counter-protesters who were attempting to break through a police barricade.
In the chaos, six people were arrested on charges including assault on police, rioting, and assault. Two police officers were reportedly injured after being struck by bottles, but their injuries were not serious.
The scenes painted a grim picture of a society at odds with itself, with each side accusing the other of being fuelled by hate and intolerance.
Organizers of the anti-immigration rally were heard promoting “anti-replacement” conspiracy theories, while counter-protesters denounced the presence of far-right and neo-Nazi elements within the protest ranks.
Tensions High in Sydney Amid Mass Demonstrations
In Sydney, a city known for its vibrant multiculturalism, the day was also marked by a significant police presence to prevent conflict between multiple competing groups.
A major anti-immigration rally, with an estimated turnout of several thousand people, marched through the heart of the city.
At the same time, separate pro-Palestine and anti-racism demonstrations were also underway, requiring police to work to keep the groups separated.
While Sydney largely avoided the physical clashes seen in Melbourne, the atmosphere was tense. The presence of a police helicopter and a large contingent of police on foot and horseback underscored the high stakes of the day.
The events in both cities made it clear that the issue of immigration is no longer just a policy debate—it has become a flashpoint for public anger and social division.
The Broader Context: A Global Phenomenon Reaching Australia
The clashes in Australia are part of a broader, global trend of rising nationalism and anti-immigration sentiment.
The protests tap into a range of grievances, including concerns over the cost of living, housing shortages, and the perception of a loss of national identity.
While these issues are complex and have multiple causes, protest organizers have successfully framed them as a direct result of government immigration policies.
The recent demonstrations have brought a fringe movement into the mainstream, with prominent politicians like One Nation’s Pauline Hanson and federal MP Bob Katter lending their support.
Their presence has legitimised the movement in the eyes of some, while drawing fierce condemnation from others who see the protests as a direct attack on Australia’s values of diversity and inclusion.
The events of Sunday show that as the debate intensifies, the potential for violence and social unrest remains a serious concern for police and policymakers.
