Authorities have raised concerns over a series of anti-migration rallies planned across major Australian cities this weekend.
The protests, organised by the group March for Australia, are against what it describes as “endless migration.”
The Federal Government has condemned the events, saying there is “no place for any type of hate in Australia.”
Victoria Police say they have prepared “a significant operational response” ahead of the Melbourne event.
March
The anti-immigration protests, planned by the group March for Australia, are expected to take place across major cities this weekend.
The rallies are intended to protest what March for Australia calls “weak leadership” from governments on immigration policy.
In a statement to TDA, Victoria Police said it believes individuals with “far-right ideologies and extreme views” will be in attendance in Melbourne.
TDA also reached out to the police in NSW and Queensland, but did not hear back before publication.
Politics
The Government has condemned the planned rallies, warning they threaten Australia’s social cohesion.
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Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the Government “stands against” the events, saying: “All Australians, no matter their heritage, have the right to feel safe”.
Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Aly echoed the message, describing the protests as “far-right activism grounded in racism.”
TDA has not received a response from the Opposition at the time of publication.
Earlier this week, Federal MP Bob Katter confirmed he would attend the rally in his home state of Queensland.
Following his announcement, Nine reporter Josh Bavas asked Katter about his own Lebanese heritage. Katter said he had “punched men in the mouth” for similar statements.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, who has long held anti-immigration beliefs, has also endorsed the protests.
Concern
The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) said “safety, respect, and social cohesion” should be the nation’s priority.
FECCA chair Peter Doukas said he rejects the group’s attempt to make migrants the “scapegoat” for Australia’s “economic or social challenges.”
“We can hold different views on policy, but we must never allow those debates to turn into attacks on people’s identity or heritage. Our diversity is a strength, and it must be protected,” Doukas said.
