Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young has called for an investigation into what she termed the “Nazi invasion” of Australia Day events, after neo-Nazi groups were arrested while attempting to disrupt Survival Day marches in several cities. The arrests have reignited debate over the meaning and celebrations surrounding Australia’s national holiday.
Neo-Nazis Target Survival Day Marches
On January 26th, as Survival Day marches took place in major cities to honor Indigenous Australians, members of neo-Nazi organizations sought to sabotage the events. In Adelaide, a 25-year-old man from a group called the National Socialist Network was charged with displaying a Nazi symbol after momentarily delaying the start of the march.
South Australia Police reported arresting a total of fifteen men and one youth from the neo-Nazi group on various offenses including loitering, hindering police, and possessing disguises. The arrests involved individuals from across the country who had traveled to disrupt the Adelaide event.
“[Alleged] attempts to scare and intimidate our local Adelaide community are completely unacceptable and must be dealt with by the full force of the law,” said Senator Hanson-Young in response to the neo-Nazi actions.
Police on Alert for Extremist Activity
In the lead-up to January 26th, police in South Australia and other states had warned they were preparing to take a hardline approach against any right-wing extremist activity at Invasion Day rallies and marches. SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said there would be “special powers” to deal with anyone displaying Nazi symbols or salutes.
While Victoria Police reported around 50-70 people attending a “pro-Australia Day” event in Melbourne, there were no arrests and police expressed satisfaction with crowd behavior overall. NSW Police also confirmed no Invasion Day arrests related to extremism in Sydney.
Greens Call for Broader Investigation
Senator Hanson-Young, however, believes the arrests in Adelaide point to a concerning trend that warrants further scrutiny. She is pushing for a formal probe into neo-Nazi and far-right groups targeting Australia Day events.
“These sickening attempts to disrupt peaceful events in our city cannot be dismissed as isolated incidents,” the Greens senator argued. “We need to investigate how these extremist groups are organizing and put a stop to their vile agenda.”
The Greens have previously called for January 26th to be changed as Australia’s national day, arguing it represents the beginning of British colonization and violence against Indigenous peoples. They support replacing it with a date for celebrating multiculturalism and moving forward as a nation.
Debate Over Australia Day Intensifies
The neo-Nazi arrests have further intensified the perennial dispute regarding Australia Day. Many Aboriginal leaders and activists refer to January 26th as “Invasion Day” and have long pushed for the holiday to be abolished or moved to a different date.
- Indigenous groups argue the date marks the start of colonization and generations of pain and oppression
- Supporters claim the day has evolved into a celebration of modern Australia’s achievements and diversity
Comments from Indigenous Australians and public figures:
“January 26th will always be known as ‘Survival Day’ and ‘Invasion Day’ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The date marks the start of colonization, dispossession, theft of land, and attempted genocide.”
— Lidia Thorpe, Indigenous Greens senator
With the resurgence of right-wing extremism, critics argue Australia Day has become an even more inappropriate and divisive tradition. The Greens and other voices are now amplifying calls for the date to be reconsidered, as clashes between neo-Nazis and Invasion Day marchers sharpen focus on January 26th’s troubled meaning and legacy.
“It’s evident that January 26th is not a unifying date for Australians. Perhaps it’s time for a mature discussion as a nation about how we can commemorate our shared history in a way that includes and respects all Australians, especially Indigenous peoples.”
– Mick Dodson, Aboriginal leader and Australian of the Year
As another Australia Day concludes, the conversation around its place on the calendar shows no signs of resolution. But with far-right extremists seeking to co-opt the holiday for their own agenda, the Greens and other groups argue the imperative for change is now greater than ever. Only time will tell if Australians can forge a new date and tradition to bring the nation together rather than divide it.
