Melbourne’s CBD has become a battleground over the past few weeks, and if you’ve been wondering why there’s been so much tension in the city’s heart, you’re about to get the full story. The Melbourne protests that started in late August have sparked some of the most violent scenes the city has witnessed in years, and it’s far from over.
What began as anti-immigration rallies has spiralled into something much darker, involving neo-Nazi groups, counter-protesters, and a shocking attack on a sacred Indigenous site that’s left the entire community reeling.
The August Explosion
The trouble really kicked off on August 31st when thousands of people descended on Melbourne for what was called the “March for Australia” protest. This wasn’t your typical peaceful demonstration – we’re talking about 5,000 protesters, many wrapped in Australian flags, demanding an end to what they called “mass immigration.”
But here’s where things get disturbing. Leading the charge wasn’t just concerned citizens – it was prominent neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell and members of the National Socialist Network. These Melbourne protests quickly turned into something much more sinister than advertised.
The violence that followed was shocking even by recent standards.
Police had to use pepper spray and baton rounds as clashes erupted between the anti-immigration demonstrators and counter-protesters who’d come to oppose them. At least 20 people were arrested, with multiple assaults and projectiles being thrown at officers.
One witness described seeing “bottles of fruit liquid being thrown at police” during the chaos.
The Sacred Site Attack
What happened next was even worse. After being directed away from Flinders Street Station around 4:15pm, a group of about 50 men – many dressed in black – marched straight to Camp Sovereignty in Kings Domain.
Camp Sovereignty isn’t just any protest site. It’s a sacred Indigenous burial ground and ceremonial place that’s been a symbol of Aboriginal resistance since 2006. The camp represents everything these Melbourne protests were supposedly not about – it’s about sovereignty, land rights, and healing generational trauma.
The attack was brutal and targeted. Men allegedly held down camp occupants and began kicking them. Four people were injured, including a woman who had to be taken to hospital. One person, Nathalie Farah, said she was “kicked in the stomach during the attack.”
Even more concerning? Police didn’t arrive until after the attackers had left, and no arrests were made at the scene.
The Police Response Problem
The handling of these Melbourne protests has raised serious questions about police tactics and priorities. Legal observers from Melbourne Activist Legal Support documented some pretty troubling patterns.
While neo-Nazi groups were allowed to march through the CBD and speak on Parliament House steps, police seemed more focused on separating opposing groups than actually stopping intimidating behaviour. Video footage shows officers walking alongside demonstrators, and when counter-protesters tried to block neo-Nazi members from joining the main rally, police used pepper spray – but only on the counter-protesters.
Victoria Police Superintendent Troy Papworth defended their approach, saying people are sick of protesters using rallies as a “veiled excuse to punch on.” But critics argue that treating all sides equally when one side includes actual neo-Nazis isn’t exactly balanced policing.
The September 13th Showdown
Police knew more Melbourne protests were coming. Intelligence suggested that both far-right and far-left groups were planning to converge on the CBD again on September 13th, with four separate groups expected to gather around Spring Street and Flinders Street.
This time, authorities weren’t taking any chances. They deployed extra powers allowing them to search people for weapons and direct anyone to remove face coverings. The message was clear: “We will not tolerate” the kind of violence seen in August.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan backed the tough approach, saying “no one has the right to use the cloak of a protest to bring violence to our streets.”
Counter-Movements Rise Up
The August violence sparked a massive counter-movement. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, along with anti-racism groups, organised their own Melbourne protests for September 13th under the banner “National Day of Action Against Racism and Fascism.”
Uncle Robbie Thorpe, one of the founders of Camp Sovereignty, wasn’t intimidated by the threats. Speaking about the attack, he said the neo-Nazis had actually “put us on the map” and gave them “global and national recognition.” A solidarity concert the following Saturday drew 3,500 people and raised significant resources for the camp.
Paul Silva from the Blak Caucus called it “one of the biggest national days of action for Aboriginal communities and people.” Similar rallies were coordinated in every capital city, showing just how much the Melbourne protests had resonated across the country.
What’s Behind the Anger?
So what’s really driving these Melbourne protests? Experts say it’s not as simple as just anti-immigration sentiment. Liz Allen, a demographer at the Australian National University, explained that “increasingly, we’re seeing Australians fear that they’re being left behind.”
The issues are complex: housing affordability, economic insecurity, climate change, and social cohesion problems that have been building for years. But instead of addressing these root causes, fear and misinformation are creating scapegoats.
“It’s not a fault of immigration, but rather a number of significant social and economic issues that come together,” Allen said. “The root cause of these issues is fear – and fear is a beast that can quickly corrupt and overtake.”
The International Connection
These Melbourne protests aren’t happening in isolation. The tactics and messaging are borrowing from international far-right movements, particularly those in the United States and Europe. Social media has amplified these connections, with groups sharing training videos and coordinating across platforms like Telegram and TikTok.
The “March for Australia” organisers specifically called for “no foreign flags” and a “sea of red and blue” – language that’s become familiar in far-right movements worldwide. This isn’t homegrown Australian concern anymore; it’s part of a global network of extremist ideology.
The Community Impact
The Melbourne protests have left lasting damage beyond the physical injuries. The attack on Camp Sovereignty was seen as an assault on Aboriginal sovereignty itself, not just a violent incident. For Indigenous communities already dealing with ongoing systemic issues, having a sacred site attacked by neo-Nazis was particularly traumatising.
Local businesses in the CBD have had to deal with regular disruptions, street closures, and the fear that comes with violent confrontations happening on their doorstep. Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Aly didn’t mince words, saying the rallies were “organised by Nazis” and warning that participants need to understand what they’re really supporting.
What Happens Next?
The Melbourne protests have become a regular feature of city life, with more demonstrations planned and authorities on constant alert for potential violence. Thomas Sewell has been charged with 25 offences including violent disorder and affray, and has been refused bail – but his network remains active.
The broader questions these Melbourne protests raise aren’t going away anytime soon. How do you balance the right to protest with public safety? How do you address legitimate community concerns without giving platforms to extremist groups? And how do you prevent fear and misinformation from tearing communities apart?
For now, Melbourne residents are learning to live with regular CBD lockdowns, extra police presence, and the reality that their city has become a flashpoint for some of Australia’s deepest social tensions.
The Melbourne protests have shown that beneath the surface of multicultural Australia, there are serious divisions that need attention. Whether the response focuses on addressing root causes or just managing symptoms will determine whether this violence continues to escalate or finally starts to heal.
