A Channel 10 reporter was pushed to the ground by police during a violent anti-immigration rally in Melbourne on Sunday. Rebeka Powell, who stands 155cm tall, was reporting on the March for Australia rally, which drew approximately 600 demonstrators, when clashes erupted between protesters and counter-protesters.
Footage shows Powell being caught in a crush between protesters and police as officers attempted to separate the groups. An officer is heard yelling "Get back, get back" as Powell tried to film an arrest. She was subsequently knocked to the ground. Several demonstrators assisted Powell in getting back to her feet.
Powell later described the incident, stating, "I'm fine guys. All part of the job, too close at the wrong time it appears." She also humorously noted, "The main lesson is I really didn't need to do Pilates before work this morning."
Victoria Police reported making three arrests during the rally for offenses including assaulting officers and assisting in an arrest. Two other individuals are expected to be charged on summons for offensive behavior. Police stated that the majority of the approximately 600 attendees protested peacefully, but expressed disappointment with the behavior of a small number of individuals intent on confrontation.
Speakers at the March for Australia rally included right-wing influencer Hugo Lennon and online personality Lisa Jane Spencer. Lennon reportedly led a chant and criticized One Nation leader Pauline Hanson for not attending. Spencer delivered a controversial satirical "welcome to country."
Similar rallies were held in Sydney and Brisbane without incident. In Sydney, independent MP Mark Latham spoke at the rally, advocating for the repeal of hate speech laws.