The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) is deeply concerned by the recent far-right extremist marches held across major Australian cities, where neo-Nazis and nationalist groups gathered under the guise of “anti-immigration” rallies.
Reports confirm that tens of thousands of participants, including prominent neo-Nazi figures, marched through Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Canberra, openly spreading divisive and racist rhetoric.
The presence of extremist symbols, hate speech, and calls to specifically target certain ethnic communities—such as Indian migrants—underscore the dangerous and racist nature of these rallies. These marches are not representative of Australian values.
While organisers attempted to deny their opposition to immigrants, the reality is clear: these events were steeped in racism and extremist ideology.
It is particularly troubling that elected officials, including Senator Pauline Hanson and MP Bob Katter, chose to address these rallies, thereby providing legitimacy to movements fuelled by hate and exclusion. Their participation risks normalising far-right extremist narratives and undermining Australia’s longstanding values of diversity, respect, and multiculturalism.
ANIC calls on all levels of government to:
- Treat the threat of far-right extremism with the seriousness it deserves, recognising it as a growing danger to social cohesion and public safety.
- End the demonisation of immigrants, refugees, and minority communities in political discourse, which only emboldens extremists.
- Strengthen laws, policies, and enforcement against racism, and hate speech, ensuring communities are protected and perpetrators are held accountable.
ANIC stands in solidarity with all communities targeted by these extremist groups and reaffirms its commitment to working with all Australian, including authorities and faith leaders to build an inclusive and safe Australia for all.
