Anti-migrant protests surge across Australia, raising concerns for Indian-origin residents, the country’s second-largest immigrant community. The Australian government that has been battling with rising right-wing extremism has since condemned the “hate” campaign.
1 / 5Thousands of Australians took to the streets for anti-immigration rallies across the country on August 31. Rally organiser, March for Australia, believe that “mass migration has torn at the bonds that held our communities together,” according to its website. (Image: AP)
2 / 5Indian-origin people believe they are a natural target as they make the second-largest immigrant communities in the country. Media reports and claims on social media say flyers circulated ahead of rallies highlighted the rise of Indian population post 2020. However, CNBC-TV18 has not been able to independently verify the claims. Pictured above is a demonstrator wearing a cap with a Trump-inspired slogan ‘Make Australia Great Again’. (Image: Reuters)
3 / 5However, an Indian addressing the rally and echoing anti-immigrant sentiments was booed and shoved aside. Australia is home to roughly 8.4 lakh Indian-origin residents, as of June 2023. (Image: Reuters)
4 / 5Demonstrations took place across Sydney, Melbourne, and other major cities like Brisbane, Darwin, and Hobart. In Adelaide, anti-immigrant demonstrations and counter demonstrations in support of immigrant community took place, drawing a total of about 15,000 people, according to BBC. (Image: Reuters)
5 / 5The widespread demonstration took place as Australia grapples with rise of right-wing extremism in the country. The Anthony Albanese government released a statement condemning the campaign against immigrants. The country’s home affairs minister Tony Burke said, “There is no place in our country for people who seek to divide and undermine our social cohesion. (Image: Reuters)
