Melbourne's central business district was the site of a contentious anti-immigration protest on Sunday, drawing approximately 600 participants and several arrests as clashes erupted with police. The 'March for Australia' rally featured a provocative speech by comedian Lisa Jane Spencer, who had previously faced criticism for a skit mocking Indigenous Australians.
Spencer, who identified herself as 'Aunty Lisa,' delivered a mock 'welcome to country' speech to the crowd, using derogatory language and stereotypes. She told attendees she had begun identifying as Indigenous this year, qualifying her to perform the ceremony. "I come from the watta-watta-bing-bong land of the gimme-gimme-da-money tribe," Spencer stated, drawing cheers from the demonstrators. She also joked about the duration of Indigenous history, claiming her people had been there for "20, 30, 60-billion years."
Spencer had previously been condemned in June for a video in which she parodied Indigenous stereotypes, including a reference to petrol sniffing.
Another speaker at the rally was Joel Davis, identified as a neo-Nazi. Davis had previously been charged with hate speech in May 2025 following a protest by the National Socialist Network outside the New South Wales Parliament. That demonstration reportedly involved a banner calling for the abolition of the Jewish lobby.
Victoria Police reported that several arrests were made after the protest turned violent. While the majority of the approximately 600 attendees protested peacefully, a smaller group engaged in disruptive behavior. Projectiles were thrown over police lines, creating a risk to protesters, the public, and officers, though no physical injuries were reported.
Those arrested included men charged with assaulting and resisting police, and women processed for offensive behavior, facing charges by summons. Other individuals received penalty notices for alleged riotous behavior. Police stated they respect the right to peaceful protest but have zero tolerance for actions that threaten community safety. A review of CCTV footage is underway to identify further offenses.
Similar 'March for Australia' demonstrations were reportedly planned for Sydney and Brisbane.