Anzac Day Services Disrupted by Far-Right Agitators

Anzac Day dawn services across Australia were disrupted by far-right agitators, including known neo-Nazis, who heckled Indigenous Welcome to Country ceremonies in cities such as Melbourne and Perth. At Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance, Bunurong elder Uncle Mark Brown was jeered by a group reportedly led by convicted neo-Nazi Jacob Hersant, though the vast majority of attendees responded supportively. National leaders, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, and state premiers, condemned the disruptions as disrespectful and contrary to Anzac Day's spirit, which honors all veterans, including Indigenous Australians. Police in Victoria have interviewed and intend to charge one individual with offensive behavior. Indigenous veterans expressed hurt, citing ongoing exclusion and racism. The incidents have sparked a national debate on respect, inclusion, and the persistence of extremist ideologies in Australia.