Thousands of protesters were monitored by a heavy police presence around Australia on Saturday. Protests were held in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart and Darwin. Police continued to patrol in the wake of groups that had differing agendas which had gathered in places of assembly. Other anti-government campaigners, immigration reform supporters, Indigenous rights activists, pro-Palestinian supporters and far-right organisations became rival protest groups.
Major Australian Cities See Large Rallies
Melbourne’s CBD saw crowds of approximately 2,500 gather, with police erecting barriers to keep protesting groups separate. In Sydney, estimates placed 3,000 at the Save Australia and Australia Unites demonstration. Between 500 and 600 people joined a Sovereignty Never Ceded rally. In Adelaide, authorities said 15,000 attended rallies and counter-rallies. The numbers were significant, amplifying both voices and tension throughout the day.
Figure 2: Protest groups were kept well separated by police in Melbourne’s CBD
Heavy Police Presence at Melbourne Protests
Specialist police units patrolled Melbourne, Sydney, and other capitals. Police in Melbourne gained expanded search powers and authority to order the removal of face coverings. Hundreds of officers filled the Sydney CBD, and riot squads attended flashpoints in Melbourne. Police reports described the deployment as a necessary measure to avoid the “chaos” of previous weeks.
Figure 3: Mounted police formed a line to separate protesters in Melbourne’s CBD
Police Efforts to Maintain Order at Protests
Police intervened repeatedly to maintain separation between opposing groups, particularly at intersections and key city landmarks. In Melbourne, police used capsicum spray on protestors near Flinders Street Station. “Police were required to intervene several times to separate protesters from opposing groups, and OC spray was deployed,” Victoria Police announced. Officers arrested individuals in both Sydney and Melbourne. In Sydney, police confirmed the arrest of one man for breaching the peace while paramedics treated two people for minor issues.
Figure 4: Anti-racism protesters attended the Flinders Street Station rally
Political Leaders Emphasise Peaceful Protest
Leaders called for order ahead of the rallies. Victorian Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny said, “Do not ever use the cloak of protest to go out there and cause crime. There is no place for protests that spread harm, that spread hate, that spread fear and violence, and there is certainly no place in Victoria for neo-Nazis.” Government officials sought to balance support for protest rights with the need to prevent violence.
Organisers Seek Peaceful Outcomes
Rally organisers from both sides engaged with police to coordinate routes and minimise direct confrontation. Mary-Joan Liddicoat and Michael Simms, organisers of Australia Unites, said they communicated with Sydney Indigenous march leaders. “We want to ensure all groups can express their views peacefully without crossing paths,” Liddicoat said. Organisers on both sides publicly confirmed expectations of non-violence and lawful behaviour.
Figure 5: The rally organised by The Black Caucus saw traditional dances performed
Security Fears Remain After Recent Attacks
Tensions remained high after the violent attack at Camp Sovereignty, a significant Indigenous burial site in Melbourne, by neo-Nazi groups at the end of August. Four people were injured at the previous event and, since then, officers considered the risk of further trouble severe. Superintendent Troy Papworth, Victoria Police, said, “We can’t discount the fact that like we saw two weeks ago that the National Socialist Network will be attending these protests and speaking.”
Demonstrators Demand Change
Among the anti-government protests, calls focused on immigration reform and criticism of government policy. “Mass migration has frayed the connections that bind our communities,” March for Australia organisers told their supporters online. One Adelaide organiser, Mark Aldridge, said, “It’s not anti-migration. The general consensus here is mass immigration; it’s just not the right time.” Indigenous protesters and pro-Palestinian activists raised concerns over racism and violence towards First Nations communities in recent weeks.
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Attempts to Avoid Escalation
In Melbourne, barriers created a 50-metre separation in front of the Victorian parliament between rival protest lines. By the afternoon, groups moved closer and some small-scale physical altercations occurred. Police regrouped and restrained participants, restoring order without serious escalation. Video footage showed protestors tending to those affected by police spray. Police said, “A 29-year-old man was arrested for criminal damage after an alleged graffiti incident. The man was released at the scene pending summons.” No other major arrests were confirmed.
Impact of Police Presence on Australian Nationwide Rallies
Melbourne police exercised new powers, searching for weapons and instructing individuals to remove face coverings. Officers warned, “Anyone considering coming into the city to cause trouble, exhibit hateful behaviour, breach the peace, confront others be met with a strong response.” Across Australia, police operations concluded without reports of serious injuries or deaths. In Sydney, police ended the day’s event describing all incidents as minor. Ambulance services treated two people, and police confirmed a drone operator received a warning for infringing airspace restrictions.
Aftermath and Continuing Tensions
As evening arrived, police maintained patrols around major sites. Most demonstrators dispersed peacefully, with only small groups remaining. Indigenous leaders and advocacy organisations renewed calls for greater institutional vigilance, following concerns over far-right activity. Political analysts described the ongoing divisions as a test for law enforcement and civil society.
Conclusion
Australia saw a vigilant and visible police response to a day of significant public protest. Authorities worked to maintain order amid competing agendas, strong rhetoric, and the risk of further violence. The day ended with a few minor injuries, several arrests, and renewed debate about the right to protest in a divided country.
