Violent Clashes Erupt at Anti-Immigration Rallies Across Australia, Police Officers Hospitalized in Melbourne

Melbourne Sees Violent Confrontations

Anti-mass immigration rallies held across Australia on Sunday, October 19, 2025, escalated into violent clashes, most notably in Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD). The confrontations between anti-immigration protesters and counter-demonstrators resulted in two police officers being hospitalized with injuries. A female sergeant sustained a suspected broken hand, while a male senior constable suffered a leg laceration. Police reported that officers were pelted with various projectiles, including rocks, glass bottles, and fruit, with some impacts cracking protective shields.

In response to the escalating violence, Victoria Police deployed a range of crowd control measures. These included pepper spray (OC spray), tear gas, flash distraction devices, and rubber bullets (baton rounds) to separate the opposing groups and disperse the crowds. Commander Wayne Cheeseman from Victoria Police's Northwest Metro Region described the environment as 'extremely volatile and violent,' stating that officers were justified in using force in response to the actions of protesters. 'We make no apologies for officers having to use force to separate and safely disperse crowds,' he said. One man was arrested in Melbourne, and police have indicated intentions to make further arrests, with Victoria Police reporting a total of six arrests in Melbourne for charges including assault police and behaving in a riotous manner.

Nationwide 'March for Australia' and Counter-Protests

The violent events in Melbourne were part of a broader series of 'March for Australia' rallies held in capital cities across the country, including Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, and Canberra. These rallies, which also occurred on August 31, 2025, called for an end to what organizers described as 'mass immigration.' The movement has been linked to far-right groups, including the National Socialist Network, and saw participation from political figures such as One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, Senator Malcolm Roberts, and federal MP Bob Katter at various locations.

Counter-protests, organized by groups like the Campaign Against Racism and Fascism, gathered to oppose the anti-immigration demonstrations, carrying signs with messages such as 'No neo-Nazis' and 'Stop fascism.' While many events across the country remained largely peaceful under heavy police supervision, the potential for conflict was evident in several cities where police formed lines to separate the rival groups. Nationwide, police estimated that over 50,000 people participated in the August 31 rallies and counter-protests, with approximately 15,000 attending the October 19 events.

Official Reactions and Ongoing Investigations

The Australian government had previously condemned the anti-immigration demonstrations. Immigration Minister Tony Burke acknowledged the need for migrant levels to be addressed but emphasized the importance of a respectful debate on the issue. Victoria Police continue to investigate the incidents, reviewing CCTV footage to identify further offenders involved in the violence. The events underscore ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policies and the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing large-scale public demonstrations.