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Controversy Erupts at Melbourne’s Anzac Day Ceremony

A man is anticipated to face charges for offensive behavior following an incident involving a group of individuals, including an alleged neo-Nazi, who disrupted a welcome to country during the Anzac Day dawn service in Melbourne.

The welcoming address, delivered by Bunurong elder Uncle Mark Brown, was marred by boos and shouts from a section of the audience during the 5:30am ceremony at the Shrine of Remembrance.

“This morning, I’m here to welcome everyone to my father’s country,” Brown stated, struggling to be heard over the interruptions. He emphasized the gathering’s purpose: “We all gather in the spirit of respect and unity, and this welcome is an opportunity to honor the deep cultural heritage of the Bunurong people of the Kulin nations.”

During Brown’s address, one man interjected with: “What about the Anzacs?” while others shouted, “It’s our country … We don’t have to be welcomed.” In response, voices from the crowd countered with “Always was, always will be,” clapping and cheering to overshadow the hecklers, who continued to vocalize their dissent as Victoria’s Governor, Margaret Gardner, acknowledged the country.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles attended the service and described the booing as “deplorable,” expressing his outrage at the disruption. “I was here this morning and witnessed it, and I absolutely feel that sense of outrage,” he remarked.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton also condemned the behavior, labeling the booing as disgraceful. He remarked that neo-Nazism represents a “stain on our national fabric” and stressed the importance of respecting the welcome to country, noting, “Indigenous Australians played a very significant part, and still do today, in the ranks of the Australian Defence Force.”

Victoria Police have conducted interviews with a 26-year-old man from Kensington regarding his offensive conduct, ultimately directing him to leave the Shrine of Remembrance. A spokesperson confirmed that they plan to proceed with a summons for the man, although they declined to disclose his identity.

The booing was reportedly instigated by a “known neo-Nazi,” as noted by Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh. He voiced that Anzac Day commemorations recognize those who fought against hateful ideologies. “When we come together to commemorate on Anzac Day, we commemorate some of those soldiers who fell in a war fought against that sort of hateful ideology,” he shared on ABC Radio.

RSL Victoria’s president, Robert Webster, condemned the actions of the minority who heckled, highlighting that their behavior was “completely disrespectful to veterans and the spirit of Anzac Day.” Yet, he expressed that the applause from the majority of attendees drowns out such negativity, reflecting the appropriate respect for the occasion.

Victoria’s Premier, Jacinta Allan, also reacted to the incident, labeling the behavior as “beyond disappointing.” Shadow Veterans’ Affairs Minister Barnaby Joyce echoed this sentiment, calling it a dishonor to what he described as Australia’s “most sacred ceremony.” He added, “Any person who desecrates that in any way, shape, or form is a complete and utter disgrace.”

This year’s Melbourne service saw attendance swell to over 50,000, a significant increase from the previous year’s crowd of 40,000. Meanwhile, Sydney’s dawn ceremony, which commenced at 4:30 am at the cenotaph in Martin Place, brought together thousands of veterans and members of the public who observed a moment of silence.

In Sydney, rain held off as the crowd gathered to mark 110 years since the Australian and New Zealand forces landed at Gallipoli. Attendees enjoyed readings from Australian Defence Force representatives and RSL members, along with renditions of traditional songs, including Elliott Napier’s poem “Salute” and various anthems of Australia and New Zealand.

Conversely, heavy downpours on Queensland’s Gold Coast forced the cancellation of a community march organized by Southport’s RSL sub-branch, as noted by secretary Michael Burt, who reported that conditions post-dawn service were too inclement for a safe procession.

Additional reporting by Sarah Basford-Canales and Krishani Dhanji

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