An estimated 700 protesters gathered in the Melbourne CBD yesterday for a “Put Australia First” (PAF) anti-immigration protest. The rally — organised by individuals who came to prominence during the anti-lockdown Freedom Movement — featured as speakers One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson and UK far-right and anti-Islam activist, and convicted criminal, Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, better known as Tommy Robinson. The latter appeared via video message, having accepted that his visa to enter Australia would likely never be approved.
Hundreds of Victoria Police officers were positioned around Flinders Street Station for the rally’s noon start.