Thousands are expected to rally in marches against immigration around the country today, with police bracing for chaos.
Neo-Nazis are expected to be among the protesters, though organisers have so far denied any links and called for there to be no violence.
Nonetheless, the protests have been widely condemned.
Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan, speaking at a multicultural gala last night, said the marches were un-Australian.
“Australia isn’t a place where we walk with Nazis,” she said.
“Australia is a place that went to war with Nazis, and the Australian flag is a symbol of our victory and their defeat.”
She said she was “concerned” but not “afraid” of the consequences of the marches.
Victoria’s shadow police minister David Southwick also spoke out against the march.
“Currently, resources are being allocated from all available areas to manage the ongoing manhunt, and it is imperative for the government to take a stand by declaring a ‘no protest’ policy.”
Federal opposition leader Sussan Ley called on marchers to stay peaceful.
“There is no place for violence, racism or intimidation, whether incited from afar or stirred up here,” she said.
“We cannot let hatred and fear tear at our social cohesion.”
In Melbourne, clashes are feared with the weekly scheduled pro-Palestinian march to take place today as well.
Police already have a heavy presence on Melbourne’s streets, including public order response teams.
All of Melbourne city has been declared a designated area, meaning police have the power to search people for weapons.
They could also ask people to remove hoods or masks and ask them to leave an area.
