Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at separate locations across Hobart’s waterfront today, as two opposing groups clashed over Australia’s immigration policies and national identity.
The ‘March for Australia’ drew the larger crowd to Salamanca Place, with protesters waving Australian flags and voicing concerns about immigration from nations with differing cultural values. A smaller counter-demonstration, the ‘Rally for Hope’, assembled on Parliament Lawns.
Lee Hanson, daughter of One Nation founder Pauline Hanson, addressed the March for Australia crowd, declaring the gathering “the most beautiful image I have seen in a long time.”
“If you come to this country, you need to love this country, you need to thrive in this country, you need to respect our culture and our way of life. And if you don’t, you need to leave,” Ms Hanson told the crowd.
She linked immigration levels to housing pressures, cost of living concerns, and strain on infrastructure, health and education systems.
“The balance has tipped too far. It is causing pressure and strain on this country and our people,” she said.
The counter-protesters displayed placards reading “don’t hate what you don’t understand” and “fascists not welcome”, with one sign saying “keep the immigrants, deport the racists.”
The Rally for Hope backed Palestinian causes and Indigenous Australians whilst promoting inclusive immigration policies.
Their chant of “no hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here” was met by calls of “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi” from the opposing group.
Hanson criticised negative media coverage, urging supporters not to feel ashamed about being Australian.
“Don’t ever be made to feel ashamed to be proud of your country,” she said, referencing recent flag burning incidents and what she described as growing national division.
Police maintained a strong presence throughout the afternoon, successfully keeping both groups separated across the different venues.
