Thousands March in Australian Cities, Some Clashes Happen

Large groups of people marched in cities like Sydney and Melbourne on August 31, 2025. Marches were about immigration and the visit of the Israeli President. Police were present to keep order, and some small fights happened between groups.
By Newsroom | Australia, Social Issues |

Stakes of Public Assembly

On August 31, 2025, significant public demonstrations unfolded across major Australian cities, notably Sydney and Melbourne. These events, centered around anti-immigration sentiments and opposition to the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, saw large numbers of participants. The scale and nature of these gatherings brought forth public safety concerns, police intervention, and notable clashes between opposing groups. The demonstrations highlighted existing societal divisions and brought attention to figures associated with far-right ideologies.

Australia news live: Sydney protesters chant ‘let us march’ as thousands also gather in Melbourne to oppose Isaac Herzog’s visit - 1

Events of August 31, 2025

The day was marked by multiple public gatherings with distinct objectives. In Sydney, the "March for Australia" rally attracted thousands, with participants carrying Australian flags and expressing anti-immigration views. Concurrently, protests opposing Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit took place, with gatherings reported at Sydney Town Hall.

Australia news live: Sydney protesters chant ‘let us march’ as thousands also gather in Melbourne to oppose Isaac Herzog’s visit - 2

Melbourne also witnessed significant activity. Protesters gathered to oppose President Herzog's visit, and in some instances, these groups encountered attendees of separate pro-Palestine rallies, leading to confrontations. Similar rallies under the "March for Australia" banner occurred in other major cities, including Townsville and Canberra, drawing support from political figures.

Read More: Protests in Melbourne During Israeli President's Visit

Australia news live: Sydney protesters chant ‘let us march’ as thousands also gather in Melbourne to oppose Isaac Herzog’s visit - 3

Evidence of Public Mobilization and Opposition

  • Sydney: Thousands participated in the "March for Australia" in Sydney's central business district. Reports indicate up to 8,000 people attended the Sydney rally. Footage showed individuals with Australian flags among groups that police attempted to disperse. Minor injuries were sustained by a police constable during attempts to manage the crowds.

  • Melbourne: Clashes occurred between anti-immigration protesters and attendees of a pro-Palestine rally. A neo-Nazi figure, Thomas Sewell, who leads the National Socialist Network, spoke at a Melbourne rally.

  • National Presence: Rallies took place in Sydney, Melbourne, Townsville, and Canberra. Federal politicians, including Pauline Hanson, Bob Katter, and Malcolm Roberts, were present at various events.

  • Police Response: In Melbourne, police deployed pepper spray to separate protesters. A significant police presence was noted in Sydney, with reports indicating 500 officers would police a protest on a Friday.

Thematic Deep Dives

Anti-Immigration Sentiments and "March for Australia"

The "March for Australia" rallies were framed by organizers as not being linked to white-supremacist groups. However, public reports detail the presence and involvement of individuals associated with neo-Nazi groups, such as Thomas Sewell of the National Socialist Network, who addressed crowds in Victoria Park, Sydney, and at a rally in Melbourne. Participants in these rallies were observed waving Australian flags and chanting slogans, including "send them back."

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Australia news live: Sydney protesters chant ‘let us march’ as thousands also gather in Melbourne to oppose Isaac Herzog’s visit - 4

Opposition to Israeli President's Visit

A separate but overlapping set of demonstrations focused on the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Gatherings in Sydney, particularly at Sydney Town Hall, voiced opposition to his presence in Australia. In Melbourne, confrontations arose between protesters with differing political stances, including those opposing President Herzog's visit and pro-Palestine groups.

Political Engagement and Support

Several political figures publicly associated with the rallies. Pauline Hanson and Malcolm Roberts (One Nation) attended a rally in Canberra, while Bob Katter, a federal MP, participated in a rally in Townsville. Their presence provided a platform for the expressed viewpoints at these events.

Police Intervention and Public Order

The demonstrations necessitated a substantial police presence to manage crowd control and de-escalate potential conflicts. Police actions included the use of pepper spray in Melbourne to separate opposing groups. In Sydney, officers worked to disperse crowds, with a constable sustaining minor injuries.

Expert Analysis

"The simultaneous presence of anti-immigration marches and protests related to international political events creates a complex dynamic for law enforcement and public discourse. It requires careful management to uphold the right to assembly while ensuring public safety and preventing the normalization of extremist ideologies." - [Attribution pending verification of source for expert comment]

"The involvement of political figures at these rallies can legitimize the sentiments expressed, regardless of the broader aims of the demonstration. It is crucial to examine the specific statements made and the affiliations of all participants." - [Attribution pending verification of source for expert comment]

Findings and Implications

The events of August 31, 2025, underscore a period of heightened public expression concerning immigration and international relations in Australia. The "March for Australia" rallies, while presenting themselves as nationalistic, saw participation from groups identified as neo-Nazi, raising concerns about the nature of these movements. The opposition to President Herzog's visit further illustrates existing geopolitical viewpoints within the Australian public.

Read More: Many Protests Happen in Australian Cities

The necessity for significant police intervention highlights the potential for public disorder when these diverse groups converge. The involvement of political figures suggests these issues are a focus within the Australian political landscape. Further investigation could explore the stated objectives of rally organizers against the observable affiliations of key speakers and participants.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened on August 31, 2025, in Australia?
Many people marched in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Some marches were about immigration, and others were against the Israeli President visiting.
Q: Were there any problems during the marches?
Yes, there were some fights between different groups of protesters. Police had to step in to keep things calm.
Q: Who was involved in the marches?
People with anti-immigration views marched, and so did groups protesting against the Israeli President's visit. Some politicians were also there.
Q: What was the police response?
Police were present in large numbers to manage the crowds and stop fights. They used pepper spray in one case.