Melbourne is a city that prides itself on its diversity and inclusiveness. It is home to people from over 200 countries, who speak over 230 languages and dialects, and follow over 130 faiths. It is a city that celebrates its multicultural heritage and identity, and welcomes newcomers with open arms.
But this city is also under attack. Under attack from a growing threat of far-right extremism, that seeks to undermine and destroy the social fabric of Melbourne. Under attack from a network of neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and conspiracy theorists, who spread hate and fear among the population. Under attack from a movement that targets and harasses vulnerable and marginalised communities, such as immigrants, refugees, Muslims, Jews, women, and LGBTQI+ people.
This is not a new phenomenon. Far-right extremism has always existed in Australia, and in Victoria in particular. But it has re-emerged and intensified in recent years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, which has created a fertile ground for radicalisation and recruitment.
According to a parliamentary inquiry into far-right extremism in Victoria, which released its report in August 2022, the state has seen an increase in the number and activity of far-right extremist groups and individuals since 2015[^1^][5]. These groups have used online platforms and social media to spread their propaganda, misinformation, and conspiracy theories, and to organise rallies, protests, and violent actions.
Some of the most notorious examples of far-right extremism in Victoria include:
- The neo-Nazi gathering in the Grampians National Park in January 2021, where about 40 members of the National Socialist Network, a splinter group of the Antipodean Resistance, displayed Nazi flags and salutes, and chanted racist slogans[^1^][5].
- The erection of gallows outside the state parliament in November 2021, as MPs debated the pandemic legislation, which was seen as a symbol of intimidation and violence against politicians and public figures[^2^][6].
- The involvement of far-right extremists in the anti-lockdown and anti-vaccine protests in Melbourne in 2021, where they clashed with police and assaulted journalists and bystanders[^2^][6].
- The harassment and intimidation of multicultural groups and organisations in Melbourne, such as the Islamic Council of Victoria, the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, and the African Australian Community Centre, which have received threats and abuse from far-right extremists[^2^][6].
The inquiry also found that far-right extremism poses a serious risk to Victoria's multicultural communities, who are often the targets of hate speech, discrimination, and violence. It heard evidence from various community groups and stakeholders, who expressed their concerns and fears about the impact of far-right extremism on their safety and wellbeing.
For example, the Islamic Council of Victoria told the inquiry that Muslims in Victoria have experienced a rise in Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiment, especially during the pandemic, which has led to increased incidents of verbal and physical abuse, vandalism, and online harassment[^2^][6].
The Jewish Community Council of Victoria told the inquiry that Jews in Victoria have faced a surge in anti-Semitism and neo-Nazi activity, especially in the wake of the Israel-Palestine conflict in May 2021, which has resulted in more cases of graffiti, flyers, stickers, and posters with Nazi symbols and slogans, as well as online attacks and threats[^2^][6].
The African Australian Community Centre told the inquiry that African Australians in Victoria have faced a spike in racism and vilification, especially in the media and political discourse, which has contributed to more episodes of bullying, harassment, and discrimination, as well as negative stereotypes and stigma[^2^][6].
These are just some of the examples of how far-right extremism is affecting the lives and livelihoods of Melbourne's multicultural communities. These are the voices that need to be heard and supported, not silenced and ignored.
The inquiry made 12 recommendations to the Victorian government, to counter the spread and impact of far-right extremism in the state. These include:
- Developing a comprehensive and coordinated strategy to prevent and respond to far-right extremism, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and experts.
- Enhancing the capacity and resources of law enforcement and intelligence agencies to monitor and disrupt far-right extremist activities and networks, and to prosecute and punish those who engage in criminal or violent acts.
- Strengthening the legal framework and mechanisms to ban or restrict the use of symbols, insignia, and materials associated with far-right extremism, such as the Nazi swastika, which was outlawed in Victoria in March 2022.
- Supporting and funding community-led initiatives and programs that promote social cohesion, intercultural dialogue, and resilience among multicultural communities, and that empower them to counter and report far-right extremist propaganda and behaviour.
- Increasing the awareness and education of the public, especially young people, about the dangers and consequences of far-right extremism, and the values and benefits of multiculturalism, democracy, and human rights.
- Improving the regulation and moderation of online platforms and social media, to prevent and remove far-right extremist content, and to hold accountable those who create and disseminate it.
These are some of the steps that the Victorian government can and should take, to protect and preserve the multicultural identity and harmony of Melbourne. But it cannot do it alone. It needs the support and cooperation of the federal government, which has the primary responsibility for national security and counter-terrorism. It also needs the involvement and participation of the civil society, the media, the academia, the private sector, and the general public, who all have a role and a stake in this issue.
Far-right extremism is not a fringe or isolated problem. It is a real and growing threat, that affects us all. It is a challenge that requires a collective and comprehensive response, that addresses its root causes and manifestations, and that upholds and defends our shared values and principles.
Melbourne is a city that prides itself on its diversity and inclusiveness. It is a city that celebrates its multicultural heritage and identity, and welcomes newcomers with open arms.
Let us keep it that way.
Let us stand together against far-right extremism.
Let us stand together for multiculturalism.
