(SYDNEY) Large anti-immigration rallies drew thousands across Australia in late August and early September, with organizers and speakers singling out Indians and demanding a sharp cut to migration. The largest marches, held on August 31 in Sydney and Melbourne, attracted an estimated 5,000 to 8,000 people in Sydney and saw clashes in Melbourne between anti-immigration demonstrators and pro-Palestine activists. The federal government condemned the events as extremist and warned the rhetoric risked inflaming tensions.
Who was targeted and why it matters
Promotional flyers and stage speeches blamed Indian migrants for a perceived surge in population since 2020, despite the community’s long-standing role in Australia’s skilled workforce. India is now the second-largest migrant group in the country, with close to 1 million people, many employed in health care, engineering, IT, and higher education.
Community advocates say the focus on Indians is fuelling fear among:
– International students
– Temporary workers
– Families newly settling in major cities
Police stepped up presence around rally routes while counter-protests against racism formed nearby. Indian community leaders urged people to stay indoors during the marches and report harassment.
Public safety and police response
Several migrant workers told local groups they feared being targeted while commuting to work, particularly in the evening. Law enforcement reported no deaths or mass injuries but acknowledged heightened tensions and a need for close monitoring at future gatherings.
Authorities are taking several steps:
– Increased police presence around likely rally routes
– Monitoring of extremist organizers and networks
– Encouraging reporting of harassment and threats so investigators can intervene quickly
Links to extremist groups and political figures
Authorities linked parts of the movement to far-right networks. Identified figures included Thomas Sewell of the neo-Nazi National Socialist Network and digital influencer Hugo Lennon. Some opposition figures, including far-right senator Pauline Hanson, appeared at rallies.
The mix of extremist groups with mainstream frustrations over housing and costs sharpened official concern that legitimate policy debate was giving cover to hate messaging.
“There is no place for any type of hate in Australia,” said Labor Minister Murray Watt, drawing a direct line between the rallies’ slogans and the risk of violence and division.
Government officials stressed:
– The right to protest does not extend to intimidation or harassment of migrants
– Police will act where threats or assaults occur
– Communities should keep reporting incidents
Current migration policy settings (key facts)
While anti-immigration rallies seized attention, the policy settings targeted by protesters have remained steady.
- Permanent migration program cap (2025–2026): 185,000 places
- 132,200 places (71%) reserved for skilled migrants
According to VisaVerge.com analysis, this balance aims to meet long-term workforce needs in health, technology, construction, and regional industries that struggle to hire locally.
Important recent data:
– Net overseas migration: 446,000 (year to June 30, 2024)
– Boosted by return of international students after pandemic closures
– Temporary students (largest intake): 207,000
Officials say arrivals are moderating as tougher student rules and higher costs take effect.
Recent visa, fee and salary changes
Student and skilled visa settings have tightened and been redirected to match labour market needs.
- Student visa fee: rose to AUD 1,600 in 2024 and will be AUD 2,000 from July 2025
- Employer-sponsored visas: expanded to 44,000 places
- Skilled independent visas: cut to 16,900
- Occupation Shortage List (OSL): replaced older occupation lists to focus the skilled program on current shortages and regional priorities
Salary floors (from July 1, 2025):
– Employer-sponsored minimum: AUD 76,515
– Highly skilled professionals minimum: AUD 141,210
Regional pathways received extra support:
– More points and incentives for migrants who settle outside big cities
– Under Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA): age limit rose to 55 and English rules became more flexible
Several states temporarily paused new skilled nominations over winter and early spring, with most expected to resume between July and October 2025. Family visas saw tougher character and police checks for sponsors this year.
Why economists and businesses oppose sharp cuts
A variety of analysts warn that sudden reductions would hurt critical sectors:
– Health (hospital staffing gaps)
– Construction and infrastructure
– Technology and innovation
– Universities and higher education
They argue a steady, managed intake with targeted reforms is preferable to blunt cuts that could damage service delivery and growth.
Public opinion and political debate
A June 2025 Lowy Institute poll found 53% of Australians believe migration levels are “too high.” Conservative outlets and far-right politicians amplified claims such as “1,544 migrants arriving daily” and a projected 1.4 million extra people in three years.
Mainstream analysts counter:
– Such figures often don’t account for departures
– They may not reflect policy tightening or the lag between arrivals and permanent settlement
Political responses:
– Some opposition voices call for lower intake until housing supply improves
– Government and business groups advocate for maintaining the 185,000 cap with stricter integrity checks and targeted regional measures
Impact on Indian Australian communities — lived experience
Indian Australian community leaders warn the rallies risk normalizing xenophobia. Reported effects include:
– Teenagers facing taunts on public transport
– Students travelling in pairs at night for safety
– Workers in delivery, retail, and care choosing different routes home to avoid flashpoints
At the same time, leaders emphasize most Australians reject hate and continue to support a multicultural society that includes Indian, Chinese, Lebanese, Filipino, African, and other communities.
Practical safety guidance for migrants and students
Officials and community groups urge practical steps while police track extremist organizers:
Community hotlines and migrant centers offer:
– Escorted walks from late-night study sessions
– Help reporting abuse and saving evidence
– Advice on where to seek support
Government agencies recommend:
– Stay aware in crowded areas where rallies occur, especially on weekends
– If threatened, move to a busy, well-lit place and call police
– Keep copies of messages if harassment happens online, and report them
– Talk with employers or campus security about safe travel options after dark
Advice for visa applicants
Policy settings that affect day-to-day life include:
– Students: higher costs and stricter checks
– Skilled workers: updated salary thresholds and OSL criteria
– Families: potentially longer processing due to extra sponsor checks
Applicants should:
1. Track official updates
2. Prepare documents early to avoid delays
3. Consult official guidance on the Department of Home Affairs website
Oversight, legal response and the road ahead
Police commanders say they will maintain a robust presence at future marches and act against offences. Community advocates push for stronger penalties when demonstrations feature racist threats.
Legal points:
– Free speech protections do not cover vilification or calls to harm
– Event organizers face closer scrutiny, especially where links to neo-Nazi symbols or networks appear
Policy trajectory:
– The government is pursuing calibrated reforms (regional deals, higher wage floors, updated shortage lists) rather than sharp cuts to the 185,000 cap.
– Officials flag further reforms to student pathways, regional visa ranking, and family sponsorship checks.
– Analysts expect ongoing tweaks to the OSL as market needs shift.
The rallies’ targeting of Indians crosses a line, officials say. Australia can argue over policy without turning on neighbours, classmates, and co-workers.
Whether that message holds through the next wave of marches will test the country’s resolve to maintain a fair migration system alongside a safe public square.
This Article in a Nutshell
Large anti-immigration rallies on August 31, 2025, prompted national alarm after organizers targeted Indian migrants. Sydney saw 5,000–8,000 participants while Melbourne experienced clashes between anti-immigration and pro-Palestine demonstrators. Authorities identified links to far-right figures, increased policing, and urged reporting of harassment. Policy settings remain focused on a 185,000 permanent migration cap with 71% for skilled migrants; recent changes include higher student fees, raised salary floors, and a new Occupation Shortage List. Community leaders reported heightened fear among students and temporary workers. Economists warn that sharp cuts would harm critical sectors, and the government prefers calibrated reforms and regional incentives over blunt reductions.
