White nationalist links to 'March for Australia' anti-immigration marches | ABC NEWS

Summary

ABC News Verify investigates the 'March for Australia,' a series of anti-immigration rallies across the country. While framed as protests against mass migration, organizers’ views extend into far-right ideology, including early references to 'remigration,' a white nationalist concept. Audio from organizer Beck Freedom links Australian heritage to European and 'white' heritage, using coded language to appeal to the public. Although the march is intended to be peaceful, counterprotests and the presence of neo-Nazis raise concerns about volatility. Participation by certain politicians may lend unintended legitimacy, highlighting the complex social and political dynamics surrounding these events.

Takeaways

• 📢 Anti-immigration marches are happening in multiple cities across Australia today.
• 🔍 ABC News Verify investigated the organizers behind the marches to understand their motives and messaging.
• ⚠️ The 'March for Australia' initially referenced the white nationalist concept of 'remigration,' advocating repatriation of non-European immigrants.
• 📝 Organizers have since removed explicit extremist references to make the march appear more mainstream and appealing to regular Australians.
• 🎙️ An organizer, Beck Freedom (also known as Beck Walker), stated that messages about 'protecting Australian heritage' ultimately mean 'protecting white heritage.'
• ✋ While organizers call for peaceful marches, counterprotesters will be present, potentially creating volatile situations.
• 🧨 Neo-Nazis are expected to attend the rallies, aiming to gain media coverage and use the events for propaganda purposes.
• 📸 Extremist groups hope to blend in with mainstream participants to falsely signal broader support for their views.
• 🏛️ Attendance by politicians like MP Bob Katter and NSW MLC John Rudd may inadvertently legitimize extremist participation.
• ⚖️ The situation highlights the tension between public demonstrations of concern about immigration and the infiltration of far-right ideologies.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the March for Australia according to its organizers?

The organizers describe the March for Australia as a march against mass migration.

How do the organizers attempt to make their message more appealing to the general public?

They initially included extremist views, such as the concept of 'remigration,' but later removed them to present a more mainstream message. They also use phrases like 'protect Australian heritage' to soften the perception of their views.

What does the term 'remigration' mean in this context?

In this context, 'remigration' is a white nationalist term calling for the repatriation of non-European immigrants from Western countries to their countries of origin.

Who is Beck Freedom, and what did she express about the march?

Beck Freedom, also known as Beck Walker, is a key organizer. In a live audio stream, she stated that protecting 'Australian heritage' ultimately means protecting 'white heritage,' presenting it in a way to make it more appealing to the public.

What are the organizers’ stated intentions regarding violence during the march?

The organizers have called for a peaceful march, stating that they do not want violence or trouble.

Why might the marches become volatile despite the call for peace?

Counterprotesters will be present, sometimes marching close to the main event, which could lead to tense or confrontational situations.

What role do neo-Nazis play in these marches?

Neo-Nazis attend these marches to gain media coverage, use the events for propaganda, and attempt to recruit by appearing alongside mainstream Australians to suggest broader support for their views.

How could politicians attending these marches affect public perception?

When politicians like federal MP Bob Katter or NSW MLC John Rudd attend, it can be used by extremists to legitimize their views and present them as more mainstream or acceptable.

What concern does Matt Martino highlight about the organizers’ messaging tactics?

Matt Martino highlights that the organizers deliberately frame extremist ideas in more acceptable terms, which can mislead the public about the true nature of their agenda.

What is the overall concern about the March for Australia according to the ABC Verify investigation?

The overall concern is that the march, while appearing as a mainstream protest against mass migration, is associated with extremist views, white nationalist ideologies, and neo-Nazi involvement, which could influence public perception and potentially be used for recruitment and propaganda purposes.