Joint statement regarding planned anti-immigration rally in Canberra

28 August 2025

Please attribute comments to Dr Pene Mathew, Human Rights Commissioner, and Karen Toohey, Discrimination Commissioner, ACT Human Rights Commission. Note that there will be no further media comment or interviews, statement only.

“The ACT Human Rights Commission stands in solidarity with the vibrant immigrant communities of the ACT. In website statements, organisers of anti-immigration rallies planned for 31 August blame immigration for a range of societal problems. The reality is that this country has benefited enormously from the contributions of migrants from all over the world.

“The ACT community works hard to create and maintain a safe, diverse and inclusive Canberra and values the contribution of every Canberran.

“Events such as this proposed rally in Canberra are inconsistent with those values and it is disappointing to see this occurring in the ACT.

“We have been made aware of multicultural community members expressing their concern about working or going about their activities on the day of the rally for fear of what response the rally might provoke.

“We also acknowledge the many Canberrans opposing these events in various forums, particularly in online forums, responding to the fear and division these types of events promote.

“The Commission reminds all Canberrans that vilification on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion and colour is unlawful in the ACT under both the Discrimination Act and criminal law.

“If Canberrans experience or witness adverse behaviour or vilification on the day because of their race, colour or ethnicity they can contact the Commission for information  about steps they can take. Ph 02 6205 2222 human.rights@act.gov.au ”

Media

Christine Kearney M 0466 861 451 humanrightsmedia@act.gov.au

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