The Victorian government has condemned an attack on a First Nations protest camp in Melbourne by far-right demonstrators following an anti-immigration rally.
Video shared with the ABC shows a group of men wearing black clashing with people at Camp Sovereignty, at King’s Domain on Sunday.
The men also verbally abused members of the group occupying Camp Sovereignty and could be seen stomping on an Aboriginal flag.
Neo-Nazi figure Thomas Sewell was among the group of men clashing with Camp Sovereignty supporters.
Camp Sovereignty organisers say a group of far-right demonstrators attacked the camp on Sunday afternoon. (Supplied)
Camp Sovereignty organisers said four people were injured in the incident. Ambulance Victoria said a woman aged in her 30s was taken to hospital with upper body injuries.
Victoria’s police minister, Anthony Carbines, said the incident was “disgraceful”.
“Nobody’s going to stand for that. People went there with an intent to cause trouble, police dealt with them and we’ll continue to call that out,” he said.
“Police will be investigating those matters and will also be in contact with members of Camp Sovereignty as well as other First Nations people who are deeply upset and distressed with that activity yesterday.
“This is what happens when you have bullies in the community who roam in packs to intimidate others. It’s gutless and it needs to be called out.”
Camp Sovereignty organisers said the attack happened about 5pm and was unprovoked.
“They came armed with poles to attack a group of predominantly women at a peace camp,” Camp Sovereignty co-founder Keiran Stewart-Assheton said.
A statement provided by Camp Sovereignty quoted an unnamed witness who said she was attacked at the site.
“I had what looked like a 15-year-old boy rip my hair, throw me to the ground and smash into my face with his fists. He did it with a smile on his face. I couldn’t believe it,” the witness is quoted as saying.
Camp Sovereignty organisers said police arrived at the site after the men had left and made no arrests. Victoria Police confirmed nobody was arrested at the site but said the investigation was ongoing.
Mounted police attempted to separate protest groups during rallies in Melbourne’s CBD on Sunday. (ABC News: Natasha Schapova)
Victoria Police said six arrests were made during Sunday’s rallies in Melbourne’s CBD, but none of those arrests were in relation to the Camp Sovereignty incident.
Scuffles broke out as attendees of the March for Australia clashed with attendees of a pro-Palestinian rally.
Victoria Police said about 5,000 people attended the rallies and officers, including mounted police, formed lines to separate the groups at various points.
Officers used OC spray and baton rounds against some rally attendees.
Victoria Police said two officers were injured after being struck by bottles thrown at them.
“There is absolutely no place for any of this violent and disruptive behaviour in Victoria and the priority for police was to separate opposing groups and prevent breaches of the peace,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
“Those arrested face charges which include assault police, behave in a riotous manner, attempted robbery, assault, and resist police.
“Police will also review CCTV vision from the rally with a view to identifying and investigating further offences.”
Deputy Premier Ben Carroll praised the work of Victoria Police and said police will review vision of Sunday’s events as part of their investigation.
“In relation to the police’s activities yesterday, from what I could see and tell, they did an excellent job,” he said.
“I witnessed a lady being thrown to the ground. I witnessed other people with blood all over their faces. I witnessed someone just trying to calm the situation then set upon.
“So there is lots of footage and I hope those perpetrators are brought to account.”