WA Police have confirmed that a neo-Nazi chant of 'heil Australia' at a Perth anti-immigration rally on Sunday did not break state laws. The rally, part of nationwide 'March for Australia' events, drew about 5,000 people. Police described the language as 'distasteful and inappropriate' but said it did not constitute an offence under Western Australia's Nazi hate symbols legislation.
Three people at the Perth rally face charges unrelated to the chant, including possession of edged weapons and obstructing police. An 18-year-old woman and a 19-year-old man were charged with carrying edged weapons, while a 39-year-old man was accused of obstructing a public officer. Thirteen move-on notices were also issued.
Footage from the rally showed a man dressed in black using a megaphone to lead the chant, which was echoed by a group of men. One protester yelled 'Nazi' at the man, while others defended his right to speak. A woman in the crowd confronted the group, saying 'you're all Nazis aren't you?' before distancing herself.
WA Premier Roger Cook condemned the presence of neo-Nazis, calling the marches a 'disgrace' and urging those who walked alongside them to reconsider. 'If your cause aligns with the neo-Nazi movement, you know you're on the wrong track,' he said. WA Opposition leader Basil Zempilas said migration needed to be 'sensible' and called for police investigation of the incidents.
