Protesters have marched through Melbourne’s CBD on Sunday, with an anti-immigration protest and counter-rally drawing a large police presence in the city.
Police powers were ramped up ahead of the protests after tensions erupted and two officers were hospitalised during clashing rallies in the Melbourne CBD in October.
Police outside Flinders Street Station on Sunday. (ABC News: Sacha Payne)
Anti-immigration group Put Australia First started marching outside Flinders Street Station shortly before midday on Sunday, with crowds heard chanting “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie”.
Protesters marching with the group told media they were marching for immigration reform that preserves Australian values, and voiced opposition to digital IDs and a net zero emissions target.
A man carries multiple Australia flags at the CBD rally. (ABC News: Sacha Payne)
The counter-protest, which expressed support for migrants, women and the trans community, gathered outside the State Library at a similar time.
A few hundred counter-protesters had gathered outside the State Library on Sunday morning. (ABC News: Mikaela Ortolan)
Victoria Police said it was investigating the alleged display of a Nazi symbol during the rallies, as well as an “unknown man who threw a can of drink at police officers, and other incidents involving offensive behaviour”.
Police said the two groups were kept separate and there were no violent clashes.
Riot police were stationed along Swanston Street. (ABC News: Mikaela Ortolan)
One man was arrested on Swanston Street after officers searched him and allegedly located knuckle dusters.
Two people were given move-on directions from Flagstaff Gardens.
The protests, watched on by riot police, remained largely peaceful as groups marched through the CBD amid heavy rain.
A police officer conducts a wand search of a counter-protester outside the State Library.
During the march the counter-protesters, who carried a large banner that read “Unite to fight the right!”, were seen yelling into megaphones nearby police and an effigy was set alight.
Counter-protesters marching along Swanston Street on Sunday. (ABC News: Mikaela Ortolan)
Police watch over a burning effigy on Swanston Street. (ABC News: Mikaela Ortolan)
The counter-protest dispersed at about 1pm, shortly before One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson addressed the Put Australia First rally at Flagstaff Gardens.
“You have no idea how proud you make me feel,” Ms Hanson told those in attendance.
“To see the Australian flags are flying with pride. To see the people out there with different cultural backgrounds.
“But at the end of the day, we are all Australians together.”
Pauline Hanson addressing the anti-immigration protest in the Melbourne CBD. (ABC News)
Ms Hanson said she “welcomed those people who have come here to find a new life for themselves and their families and future generations”.
“They’ve worked hard to be part of this great nation,” she said.
“But it breaks my heart to see the division that is happening, the division that is happening especially in this state.
“For too long … I have seen the plan to divide us as a nation with multiculturalism, globalisation, to take away who we are, with dignity, to stand proud.
“We do have a culture. And we should be proud of it. We acknowledge other cultures around the world. And we must embrace and love ours.”
A crowd watches Senator Hanson’s speech at Flagstaff Gardens. (ABC News: Sacha Payne)
Ms Hanson said “activists” branding her as divisive were mischaracterising her message.
“I’m not divisive. All I’ve ever done is pull people together and be proud of who we are.”
The relative calm of the rallies contrasted with scenes during countering protests last month that lead to multiple arrests.
Anti-immigration protesters outside Flinders Street station on Sunday morning. (ABC News: Sacha Payne)
During the week police said they would be well prepared for the protests and potential violence. Police also noted the marches could get tangled up with civilian crowds entering the city for the opening of the Metro Tunnel and pre-Christmas sales.
On Wednesday, Victoria Police designated a large section of Melbourne’s CBD subject to greater police search powers, with the order lasting six months.
The declaration allows police to stop and search people for prohibited weapons without a warrant in the CBD, Docklands and Southbank.
Police can also search vehicles and force people to remove face coverings.
Wet weather did not deter those attending the rally in Melbourne’s CBD on Sunday. (ABC News: Sacha Payne)