Politicians in Australia are expressing concern over the presence of neo-Nazis at recent protests framed as anti-immigration events. These demonstrations, held across the country last Sunday, were intended to promote Australian culture. However, many attendees used the platform to voice harmful and racist ideologies.

Chants such as "send them back" and "stop the invasion" were common, with some individuals making derogatory comments about Muslims and Indians. Known neo-Nazis openly declared their beliefs, stating, "we are racist," while others claimed they were not racist but supported limited immigration.

Western Australia Police reported that members of a neo-Nazi group who performed a controversial chant at an anti-immigration rally in Perth did not break any laws. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley both condemned the events, stating that while many attendees had legitimate concerns, the protests were exploited by extremists. Albanese noted, "There's always good people who turn up to demonstrate their views on particular issues, but what we have seen here is neo-Nazis being given a platform."

Ley echoed this sentiment, saying, "These events were attended by people of goodwill but hijacked by violent neo-Nazis spouting hate and racism." Experts suggest that while some Australians may have attended to discuss immigration policy, others were drawn to the idea of a "white Australia."

Liam Gillespie, a criminology lecturer at the University of Melbourne, pointed out that organizers used euphemisms like "March for Australia" to attract crowds. He stated, "When you juxtapose that kind of messaging with the fact that their main political slogan is 'Australia for the white man,' it reveals what they really mean."

Warnings about the events indicated that organizers had ties to white nationalist views. Gillespie noted that these groups often tap into existing social anxieties, similar to tactics used in past riots. Security expert Julian Droogan highlighted that far-right groups have historically exploited public concerns about terrorism and immigration to gain traction.

The protests have raised questions about the motivations of attendees. While some may have genuine concerns about immigration, others appear to support exclusionary ideologies. Peter Doukas, head of the Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia, criticized the tendency to blame immigration for broader economic issues, stating, "To peg this on one ethnicity … it's not only cruel, it's simply wrong."

Calls for a more constructive dialogue on immigration have emerged, with Doukas advocating for discussions that do not center on the presence of neo-Nazis. The situation in Australia mirrors challenges faced in other democracies, such as the UK, where immigration policies have sparked protests and patriotic movements.

In Australia, the implications of these protests extend beyond politics. Aboriginal leaders have voiced their concerns following violent incidents linked to neo-Nazi groups. Victorian Senator Lidia Thorpe described the attacks as "horrific, violent, racist, and uncalled for," noting that community members, especially children, are feeling unsafe.

The ongoing discourse around immigration and national identity continues to be a contentious issue in Australia, with the potential to impact social cohesion and the safety of diverse communities.