Last Sunday’s March for Australia marked a significant moment for far-right movements, gathering close to 10,000 people in Melbourne and Sydney, and smaller crowds in other cities like Adelaide and Brisbane. This event was among the largest explicitly racist demonstrations in decades, with a noticeable influence from the neo-Nazi National Socialist Network (NSN) aiming to mainstream anti-migrant racism.
The Murdoch press played a critical role in promoting the march, likening it to a Fox News-style operation to garner relevance. Coverage included propagating harmful conspiracy theories, such as the “great replacement theory.” Prominent political figures, including Pauline Hanson and Malcolm Roberts, participated, while low-level violence marred the Melbourne rally, notably against Indigenous activists.
Despite some attendees citing economic concerns, the march predominantly represented older, white individuals, often affluent homeowners. The media and political elite, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, mistakenly framed the gathering as a response to housing issues, which diverted from its core racist agenda.
While some anti-fascist activities were organized in response, the left’s overall reaction was insufficient. The resurgence of the far right aligns with broader global trends, including heightened fascist activity in Europe and the U.S., reflecting a shift toward economic nationalism and authoritarianism in response to capitalist crises. To combat fascism effectively, a robust socialist movement rooted in class diversity is deemed essential in dismantling the conditions that allow it to thrive.
