Barnaby Joyce headlines Sydney anti-immigration rally on day of reflection

SYDNEY — One Nation leader Barnaby Joyce headlined an anti-immigration rally in central Sydney on Sunday, despite police warnings and calls from political leaders to avoid public gatherings on a day of national reflection following the Bondi massacre. About 200 protesters gathered in a park, some carrying Australian flags and others displaying anti-Islam banners, marking a stark contrast to a city and nation in mourning after the weekend shootings that authorities described as the nation’s worst mass killing since 1996.

Joyce used the platform to deliver a stern message to those he said would do Australians harm, telling attendees that people who intend to hurt Australians should be “sent back to wherever hell they came from.” He pressed the crowd to stand firm in the face of perceived threats, saying, “You should be allowed to go to the beach on a Sunday without being murdered,” and describing the nation as having been “sullied by filth.” The rally drew cries of “sack him” from part of the audience as the former deputy prime minister and ex-Nationals leader criticized the prime minister as weak, urging a change in leadership.

In Melbourne, by contrast, persistent rain kept most would-be demonstrators away, with only a few dozen diehards turning up on the steps of the Victorian Parliament to register their views. The contrast underscored a broader municipal imbalance in public demonstrations on a day when officials urged restraint and unity rather than division.

The event occurred against the backdrop of security and political warnings that public gatherings could hinder community safety and inflame tensions in a time of national sorrow. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the need for solidarity on the day, saying, “Terrorists have sought to divide this country but this is a time to stand united — particularly on this national day of reflection.” He also noted that organized rallies seeking to sow division in the aftermath of the antisemitic attack had no place in Australia.

NSW Premier Chris Minns echoed the call for restraint, describing the attack on migrant communities as “the last thing we need right now.” He told ABC News that the Jewish community was burying its dead and urged the public to give space for those grieving: “They deserve an opportunity to do that with a state of grace and with some peace.” Minns warned that “hate begetting hate begetting hate” risked triggering a spiral of violence and unrest that could be difficult to quell. He also urged those who felt aggrieved by the violence to channel that energy into constructive acts, such as donating blood.

Officials stressed that the Sydney gathering had not obtained the required police authorization, and the NSW Police Force said the event was not appropriate at a time when authorities were trying to prevent further division and protect public safety. The police statement emphasized that the day’s solemn mood and the ongoing investigation into the Bondi attack required a careful and respectful approach from all communities.

The anti-immigration rally comes at a moment when polls indicate significant public sensitivity to immigration policy. A Resolve survey conducted in the week following the Bondi shootings found that 64 percent of voters supported a pause on immigration, highlighting the political salience of the issue as leaders seek to balance security concerns with civil liberties and social cohesion. While Joyce’s supporters framed the event as a defense of national security and cultural values, critics argued that such demonstrations could inflame hostility toward migrant communities.

The broader national conversation continues to unfold against a backdrop of security concerns, ongoing investigations, and regional political dynamics. Authorities stressed that unity, rather than division, remains essential as communities mourn and reflect on the toll of the weekend violence. As the day closed, police urged continued vigilance and adherence to public safety guidance, underscoring that political protests would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and that the safety of the public remained the priority.

In the wake of the events, lawmakers and observers cautioned against stoking further tensions and emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable communities while upholding democratic freedoms. The day’s exchanges underscored the country’s ongoing challenge: balancing a robust public discourse about immigration and security with the imperative to prevent violence and protect the rights and safety of all Australians.