A protest in Canberra today sparked calls for the cessation of mass immigration to Australia.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered on the lawns of Parliament House, many of them wrapped in the Australian flag, as they warmly welcomed One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, who was met with an enthusiastic reception.
“Politicians, we have a few of us here, but where are the rest? Why aren’t they standing with us?” Hanson addressed the crowd, drawing cheers from her supporters.
Meanwhile, nearby, Opposition Leader Angus Taylor expressed his views on the ABC’s Insiders program, stating, “Migration numbers have exceeded expectations. They’ve surpassed even the Labor Party’s own targets.”
Taylor further clarified that the Coalition would prioritize migrants from liberal democracies but emphasized that this does not mean excluding others.
“Many admirable individuals emerge from challenging countries, but there is an increased risk that some may not have the best intentions,” Taylor remarked.
Nationals leader Matt Canavan also addressed the protest on the lawn of parliament, saying: “You don’t share our values? You’re getting deported. You’re going back overseas.”
Organisers say there will be more of these rallies across the country in the coming months.
In the meantime, it is a smaller group of Australian citizens causing headaches for the government.
Minister Chris Bowen said the government was providing “absolutely zero assistance to them”.
“That is not something this government will be doing,” he said.
The group, made up of women and children, are Australian citizens and will likely face domestic charges upon arrival back home.
Health Minister Mark Butler told Sky News: “If they manage to get to Australian borders and have committed any sort of crime, they’ll be met with the full force of the law at those borders.”
