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Police blocked people connected to anti-immigration group from Perth dawn service after Anzac Day booing in eastern states
TL;DR
Western Australian police blocked 15 members of anti-immigration groups from attending Anzac Day services due to previous disruptions in eastern states. Booing during Indigenous acknowledgments at dawn services in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth has been widely condemned.
Key points
- Police blocked 15 members of anti-immigration groups from Anzac Day events
- Booing disrupted Indigenous acknowledgments in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth
- One man was arrested at the Sydney dawn service
- First Nations leaders condemned the booing
- Fight for Australia urged supporters to influence RSL branches
Mentioned in this story
Fight for AustraliaSydneyMelbournePerth
Anzac Day
Western Australian police say they proactively blocked 15 members of “issue motivated groups” from attending Anzac Day commemorations, following disruptions that marred earlier ceremonies in the eastern states.
One man was arrested at the Sydney dawn service at Martin Place, where there was a small but noisy interjection of booing during the Indigenous acknowledgment of country. Booing also marred ceremonies in Melbourne and Perth.
The booing has been condemned by First Nations leaders, RSL officials and state premiers.
Ahead of Anzac Day, anti-immigration group Fight for Australia had encouraged supporters to contact RSL branches and ask that welcome to country not be included in ceremonies.
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People connected to the group, formerly known as March for Australia, posted footage online on Sunday showing police in Perth approaching five people and blocking them from attending the dawn service.
“Due to your association with the March for Australia group and their actions in the eastern states, you are being removed from the ceremony due to the belief you will interrupt it.
“If you fail to leave you will be arrested and you will be taken to Perth watch house.
“Your association to that group has unfortunately ruined your opportunity to remain at the ceremony today.”
In a statement, Western Australian police said they removed 15 people – 14 in Perth and one in regional WA – who were identified as members of “issue motivated groups”. No arrests were made.
“WA Police attended to protect the dignity of the commemorations, maintain public safety, and ensure the community could pay their respects without disruption,” WA police said in a statement.
“As a result of police intervention, the group was removed without incident, and the dawn service proceeded uninterrupted.
“These actions reflect the behaviour of a small minority and do not represent the values of the overwhelming majority of people who attended ANZAC Day services respectfully across WA.”
Writing in Guardian Australia, Indigenous academic Marcia Langton said the “morons” who disrupted Saturday’s speeches “ from all future Anzac Day services”.
Q&A
Why did police block members of anti-immigration groups from Anzac Day services?
Police blocked these members to prevent disruptions similar to those that occurred during earlier ceremonies in eastern states.
What happened during the Anzac Day dawn service in Sydney?
A man was arrested after a small group booed during the Indigenous acknowledgment of country at the Sydney dawn service.
How did First Nations leaders respond to the booing at Anzac Day ceremonies?
First Nations leaders, along with RSL officials and state premiers, condemned the booing that occurred during the ceremonies.
What actions did the anti-immigration group Fight for Australia take regarding Anzac Day?
Fight for Australia encouraged supporters to contact RSL branches to request the exclusion of welcome to country acknowledgments from the ceremonies.
