Anti-immigration protest met with counter-rally in Melbourne CBD

ABC NEWS (Australia)

One side says they want to preserve Australian values; the other describes itself as united against racism and bigotry. Both featured in immigration and counter rallies on the streets of Melbourne today. The protests were largely peaceful, but police say they'll be reviewing security footage to investigate a number of reports of offensive behaviour.

Transcript

00:00Two groups from opposing sides of the immigration debate, all determined to make their voices

00:15heard.

00:16I think we should have immigration to a limited degree, not the massive immigration

00:21we have now, which is stretching our resources.

00:23We are not racist, we do not mind immigrants, but we do not want our country overtaken.

00:29One Nation leader Pauline Hanson taking aim at the Victorian government.

00:33It breaks my heart to see the division that is happening, the division especially that

00:38is happening in this state.

00:39We love you Pauline.

00:41Protesters at the counter rally saying they stood for women, migrants and trans people.

00:46We know who we are, we are the side that stands against racism.

00:51They do not want indigenous rights, they oppose migrants and refugees.

00:56Police have not left anything to chance, with a heavy presence throughout the city, including

01:01mounted police and the riot squad working to keep the Put Australia First protest and counter

01:07protesters apart.

01:09The rallies were largely peaceful despite some minor scuffles at both events, with protesters

01:14at the counter rally appearing to burn an effigy of a police officer.

01:19Today's rally is coming as wide ranging new powers for police come into effect.

01:24Police say there was just one arrest and no injuries.

01:28Police say it's like a bully right here.

01:29We will have anotherェ mark and you'll have another

01:46quote, eight- disapproacy of a male internist as well.

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