Multitudes in Australia protest against immigration, the government issues critical statements about the demonstration

In a series of events that have sparked controversy across the nation, anti-immigration rallies were held in various state capitals and regional centres of Australia on Sunday. The largest gatherings took place in Melbourne and Sydney, attracting crowds of 8,000 to 10,000 and 5,000 to 8,000 people, respectively, as reported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

The rallies, organised by the group March for Australia, expressed concerns about various issues such as culture, wages, traffic, housing, water supply, environmental destruction, infrastructure, hospitals, crime, and loss of community. The group aims to demand an end to mass immigration and do what mainstream politicians never have the courage to do.

The Melbourne rally, in particular, saw a significant crowd in central Melbourne, with riot officers using pepper spray on demonstrators, according to aerial footage from the ABC. Conversely, no significant incidents were reported during the Sydney rallies, where organisers of the counter-rally by the Refugee Action Coalition reported no incidents as well.

The March for Australia is reportedly supported politically by far-right extremist groups, including connections to the AfD (Alternative for Germany) party known for nationalist and right-wing positions. Murray Watt, a senior minister in the Labor government, maintains that the rallies were "organized and promoted" by neo-Nazi groups. Australia's center-left government has continued to condemn the rallies, linking them to neo-Nazis and asserting that they spread hate.

Despite the controversy, the rallies have highlighted the ongoing debate about immigration in Australia, with both sides voicing their concerns and opinions. As the discussions continue, it remains to be seen how the Australian government will address these issues moving forward.