Here’s what you need to know.

Who is behind the rallies?

However, the Australian Bureau of Statistics questioned the use of migration numbers, warning they were not an accurate reflection of immigration.

Are other events happening at the same time?

In Queensland, a multicultural food festival is being held not far from the rally site. Police have sought to allay fears that the event could be targeted, saying there will be no clashes.

More than 35,000 runners are also expected to compete in the Sydney Marathon on Sunday, a 42km race starting in North Sydney and finishing at the Opera House.

How are police responding?

“If by chance they do, we’ll have significant police resources there to ensure there’s public safety.”

Police in other states have also said they are planning to have a significant presence in the areas surrounding the rallies.

What have political leaders said about the rallies?

Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Aly said the government stood with all Australians, no matter where they were born, against “those who seek to divide us and who seek to intimidate migrant communities”.

Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Aly said the rallies were grounded in racism and had no place in Australia. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas

“This brand of far-right activism grounded in racism and ethnocentrism has no place in modern Australia,” Aly said.

“That is the Australian story. Respect, tolerance, community. It belongs to all of us, and what unites us will always be stronger than what seeks to divide us.”

— With additional reporting by the Australian Associated Press