Is the far-right movement in Australia broadening its message to expand its appeal?

Far-right March for Australia rallies were held across Australia on 30 August, including in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide. The rallies were organized by a network of nationalist and far-right activists and focused on free speech, opposition to hate-speech laws, and alleged government censorship, while continuing to incorporate nationalist messages. The rallies were met by counter-protests in opposition to racism and the far-right movement. Most demonstrations were peaceful, although violence was reported in Melbourne, where police arrested several people over alleged assaults on officers.

Laura Sorica, Asia-Pacific Analyst at ACLED, said:

“Unlike the larger rallies recorded last year, this year’s March for Australia demonstrations were considerably smaller and also more peaceful, suggesting that the movement continues to have limited popular mobilization despite the growing electoral support for the right-wing party One Nation. Their recent defeat of the Labor-held safe-seat in Secret Harbor election of a One Nation demonstrates One Nation’s ability to challenge the major parties.

“However, One Nation’s electoral gains have not translated into comparable levels of participation in the March for Australia rallies in August. This distinction is important: the party appears to be gaining support in elections, while the broader grassroots movement remains relatively limited”.

“There has also been a noticeable shift in the movement’s messaging. While opposition to immigration remains central, the August rallies placed greater emphasis on free speech. This broader framing may represent an attempt to expand the movement’s appeal beyond its traditional anti-immigration base and connect its agenda to wider concerns about government regulation and freedom of expression. It remains to be seen if this shift in message will help the movement attract additional popular support.”