Thousands of Australians participated in protests across the country on Saturday, with events taking place in major cities and regional areas. The demonstrations featured a wide range of political views, from Indigenous sovereignty to anti-government sentiments.

In Melbourne, an estimated 5,000 people gathered for a "Rally Against Racism" outside Flinders Street Station. Protesters carried signs with messages such as "No! To white supremacy" and "Peace for Gaza." The rally faced heavy police presence, with mounted officers forming lines to separate it from an anti-immigration and anti-corruption protest nearby. Tensions escalated as protesters from opposing sides faced off outside Parliament House, with some demonstrators tearing up Australian flags.

In Sydney, about 3,000 people marched in an "Australia Unites Against Government Corruption" rally. The event saw a significant police presence, which closed several streets between Town Hall and Hyde Park. Many attendees expressed a variety of grievances, including anti-vaccination and anti-immigration sentiments. A separate rally organized by The Black Caucus, a First Nations group, attracted around 1,000 participants who protested against racism and fascism.

In Brisbane, approximately 1,500 people gathered for two separate rallies. One group focused on anti-corruption, while another addressed racism and discrimination. Similar events occurred in Adelaide, where hundreds protested against racism and called for support for Indigenous rights.

In Tasmania, around 300 people attended an Indigenous Sovereignty rally, condemning recent acts of violence against Aboriginal people. Speakers called for the National Socialist Network to be designated as a terrorist organization.

Western Australia saw about 500 protesters gather in Perth, where they expressed anti-government and anti-immigration views. A minute of silence was held for Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative figure whose assassination has heightened tensions.

Authorities had prepared for potential violence, deploying a significant number of police officers across cities. In Melbourne, Superintendent Troy Papworth warned that the city should not be a place for hate and violence. "If you are coming into the CBD on Saturday with the intention of fighting, throwing objects or abusing others, you can expect to spend some time in a police cell," he stated.

The protests come in the wake of heightened political tensions and recent violent incidents, including a neo-Nazi attack on an Indigenous camp in Melbourne. Organizers of the rallies aimed to address various social issues, while police worked to maintain order and prevent clashes.