Sydney: Despite heavy rainfall, an anti-immigration protest was held in Sydney, attracting around 2,000 people to the ‘March for Australia’ rally at the Royal Botanic Garden. The gathering came amid discussions about thousands of people taking part in the demonstration.

Protesters demanded a halt to large-scale immigration into Australia and called for the implementation of an ‘Australia First’ policy. They raised slogans against the immigration policies of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government. Participants also marched towards Hyde Park and the Parliament House.

Meanwhile, a counter-protest in support of migrants and refugees was held at Sydney Town Hall, with fewer than 100 people taking part. Refugee support organisations opposed racism and the spread of hatred against migrants. Speakers said racist remarks against migrants had increased.

The atmosphere became tense for some time as the two groups came face to face. Police separated around 20 pro-Palestinian protesters from some supporters of One Nation.

The protests have brought the growing political debate over immigration, national identity and Australia's multicultural society back into focus.