Overview

• Anti-immigration marches are scheduled for Sunday in major cities including Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with organisers promoting an end to mass migration and describing the events as leaderless.
• Neo-Nazi figure Thomas Sewell has referred to the rallies as “our” events and a National Socialist Network member claimed the group was asked to help, while March for Australia organisers deny any links and some have publicly distanced themselves.
• Opposition Leader Sussan Ley urged peaceful, respectful protest and said there is no place for violence, racism or intimidation, as Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke condemned the rallies and Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Aly rejected far-right activism.
• NSW Police plan to deploy hundreds of officers in Sydney and say they will move quickly to quell any violence, with Acting Deputy Commissioner Paul McKenna stating police are ready for any contingency and advising of road closures and concurrent demonstrations.
• Queensland’s Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie defended the right to protest but called for calm as community leaders voiced safety fears, while the state opposition warned the rally is misguided and urged people to avoid counterprotests.