Canberra, Australia: An Indian-origin man was shoved while attempting to speak at a recent anti-immigration rally in Australia. Despite being allowed to address the gathering, the incident drew attention because the demonstration was largely aimed at people like him.The man, wearing a yellow T-shirt with the word “Australia” on it, was introduced to the crowd as a foreigner who wished to speak. He began by acknowledging his identity: “Yes, I am a brown man. Yes, I migrated from India—but I came here for the right reasons.” He went on to criticise Australia’s current immigration policies, arguing that they allowed newcomers to alter the nation’s culture rather than embrace it. “Immigration should be about giving, not taking. About respect, not demands,” he said before being pushed aside and having the microphone taken away.
The moment, captured on video, spread quickly online, although the clip’s authenticity is still under verification. Reactions from the crowd were divided, with some cheering his words while others booed.
The rally, organized under the banner of “March for Australia,” took place across several cities on September 1. Protesters voiced concerns about the increasing number of immigrants, particularly highlighting the rise in Indian migration to Australia since 2020, which they claimed has surpassed the arrival numbers of Greeks or Italians in earlier decades.
On its website, March for Australia claimed that large-scale migration was “eroding unity and shared values” and “tearing apart community bonds.” In response, the Australian government strongly condemned the rallies. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said, “There is no place in our country for those who seek to divide and undermine social harmony. We stand with modern Australia against these rallies—nothing could be less Australian.”
Meanwhile, controversy also erupted in the political arena. Liberal senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price faced backlash after alleging that the government was prioritising “Labour-leaning” migrant groups such as Indians. She later withdrew her remarks, clarifying that Australia maintains a bipartisan, non-discriminatory immigration policy.
Senator Price further praised the Indian community, saying, “Indian migrants have a proud history of integration, hard work, and contribution across many fields. Many have become loyal Australian citizens. My own children share Indian heritage, and I have deep connections with the Indian and Sikh communities in the Northern Territory, which I value greatly.”
