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A South African man who attended a neo-Nazi rally that chanted Hitler youth slogans will be kicked out of Australia.
Matthew Gruter was one of 60 demonstrators linked to the National Socialist Network who protested outside NSW parliament on 9 November, shouting Nazi slogans and unfurling a large banner that read “Abolish the Jewish Lobby”.
But his time in Australia is up after Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed on Monday he had cancelled Gruter’s visa.
“If you are on a visa, you are a guest. If you’re a citizen, you’re a full member of the Australian family,” Burke said.
“Much like any family, if a visitor arrives with intentions of sowing discord and causing harm, they can be asked to leave,” the speaker conveyed.
The protest drew universal criticism, with NSW Premier Chris Minns labelling those involved “pissants” and flagging another tightening of protest laws in response.
Police said a communication error within the force meant some top cops — including commissioner Mal Lanyon — were not aware the protest was taking place.
Minns has since confirmed the government would aim to establish new laws cracking down on hate speech.
In June, the NSN staged a demonstration outside the New South Wales parliament. During this rally, participants dressed in black uniforms and showcased a banner that read, “End Immigration.”
Numerous protests involving NSN members have been staged in capital cities and towns over the past couple of years. In September, members of the group marched at anti-immigration rallies in Sydney and Melbourne.
The fringe group has ramped up efforts to form a political party as an effort to creep into the mainstream, which would require 750 members to join the party to formally register.
Minns questioned if that would happen given it would require those members to publicly associate their name with neo-Nazism.
