Perth, Australia — What began as a large, peaceful demonstration marking Invasion Day in central Perth took a dramatic turn on Australia Day after police ordered sections of the crowd to evacuate due to reports of a potential threat. The incident unfolded amid heightened emotions nationwide, as Australians once again grappled with deeply divided views over the meaning and date of Australia Day.
Thousands of demonstrators had gathered in Perth’s city centre on January 26, with one group protesting against the national holiday and another rallying in support of keeping Australia Day on its traditional date. The competing events underscored the growing cultural and political divide surrounding the commemoration of the nation’s founding.
Police Respond to Safety Concerns at Forrest Place
The Invasion Day rally in Perth commenced at Forrest Place shortly after midday, drawing a large crowd of protesters advocating for the recognition of Indigenous history and the impacts of British colonisation. As the march progressed through the city, Western Australia Police intervened following reports that an object posing a potential risk to public safety may have been thrown into the crowd.
Officers used megaphones to address the demonstrators, urging parts of the gathering to disperse and move away from the area. Some marchers appeared confused, continuing forward while police repeatedly warned, “There is something in the crowd that poses a risk to your safety.”
Authorities later confirmed that an exclusion zone had been established at Forrest Place as a precautionary measure. One individual was taken into custody as police worked to assess and contain the situation.
In an official statement, WA Police urged members of the public to avoid the area. “People are asked to stay away from the location and await further instructions while police respond to reports of a threat,” the statement said.
Despite the disruption, the majority of the crowd continued marching toward the Swan River later in the afternoon, seemingly unaware of the extent of police concerns.
Chants, Placards, and Calls for Change
The Invasion Day rally featured strong messages opposing the celebration of Australia Day on January 26. Protesters chanted slogans such as “Always was, always will be Aboriginal land,” while many held placards calling for a change to the national holiday.
Signs reading “No pride in genocide, change the date” and “Stop ignoring genocide” were prominently displayed throughout the march. For many participants, January 26 symbolises the beginning of dispossession, violence, and systemic injustice faced by Indigenous Australians following British colonisation.
Australia Day marks the anniversary of 1788, when Governor Arthur Phillip raised the British flag at Sydney Cove. While officially recognised as a celebration of national identity and unity, the date has long been a source of pain and protest for Indigenous communities, who refer to it as Invasion Day.
A Counter-Rally Supporting Australia Day
At the opposite end of Perth’s city centre, a smaller gathering known as the March for Australia took place, promoting support for Australia Day and advocating for the public holiday to remain on January 26.
Held near Wellington Square, the rally attracted fewer than 1,000 participants, many of whom were draped in Australian flags. The crowd chanted “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie” as speakers addressed the group, reinforcing messages of national pride and free speech.
One Nation WA leader Rod Caddies spoke at the event, criticising major political parties for what he described as a lack of courage on the issue of Australia Day.
“Where are the Liberals? Where is Labor? Where are the Nationals?” he asked the crowd. “They are not here because they are afraid. But One Nation is not afraid. We are fighting for the right to free speech.”
Organisers of the March for Australia rally had indicated on social media that this year’s event would focus more heavily on celebrating Australia Day itself rather than directly opposing Invasion Day protests.
Heavy Police Presence Maintained
WA Police confirmed that a strong law enforcement presence had been planned for both rallies well in advance. A police spokeswoman said officers were deployed to ensure public safety and would only intervene if protests became unlawful or posed a risk to the community.
“While there is no intelligence suggesting a heightened threat level in Western Australia, high-visibility patrols are in place to provide reassurance and demonstrate our commitment to keeping the community safe,” she said.
Police emphasised their role was not to interfere with lawful protest but to respond swiftly if safety concerns arose, particularly given the emotionally charged nature of Australia Day demonstrations.
Nationwide Protests Reflect Deep Divisions
The events in Perth were mirrored across the country, with major rallies held in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and other capital cities. Each year, Australia Day prompts large-scale demonstrations as thousands of Australians use the public holiday to express their views on national identity, history, and reconciliation.
In Sydney, an Invasion Day rally at Hyde Park opened with a solemn tribute to victims of the Lake Cargelligo shooting. Images of Sophie Quinn, who was pregnant at the time of her alleged murder, along with her partner John Harris and her aunt Nerida Quinn, were displayed during the event.
Organisers said the tribute highlighted ongoing issues of violence and injustice affecting communities across Australia, particularly in regional and Indigenous areas.
Melbourne Sees Large Turnout on Both Sides
Melbourne witnessed some of the largest Australia Day demonstrations in the country, with both Invasion Day and March for Australia rallies drawing crowds in the thousands. However, estimates suggested the Invasion Day march was at least twice the size of the pro-Australia Day gathering.
Protesters in Melbourne echoed similar calls for changing the date, recognising Indigenous sovereignty, and addressing the long-term impacts of colonisation. Meanwhile, supporters of Australia Day emphasised unity, multiculturalism, and pride in the nation’s achievements.
The contrasting scenes in Melbourne reflected the broader national conversation, which has become increasingly polarised in recent years.
The Ongoing Debate Over January 26
The question of whether Australia Day should continue to be celebrated on January 26 has been the subject of intense debate for more than a decade. While some Australians view the date as a celebration of modern Australia’s values, others see it as a reminder of invasion, dispossession, and intergenerational trauma.
Several local councils and organisations have chosen to move citizenship ceremonies away from January 26, while some corporations and sporting bodies have adjusted their approach to the holiday. However, federal governments have consistently resisted calls to officially change the date.
Supporters of keeping Australia Day on January 26 argue that the day has evolved beyond its colonial origins and now represents shared values such as freedom, democracy, and opportunity. Critics counter that reconciliation cannot occur without acknowledging historical truth and selecting a date that unites rather than divides.
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Voices From the Crowd
Many attendees at the Perth Invasion Day rally said the police warning did little to dampen their determination to be heard.
“We’re here because January 26 represents pain for Indigenous people,” one marcher said. “Australia Day should be about unity, not denial.”
At the March for Australia rally, participants expressed frustration at what they see as growing negativity surrounding national celebrations.
“I’m proud of this country,” said one attendee wrapped in an Australian flag. “Australia Day is about celebrating who we are now, not erasing history.”
These opposing sentiments illustrate why Australia Day continues to be one of the most emotionally charged dates on the national calendar.
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A Day of Reflection and Protest
Despite the reported threat and police intervention in Perth, both rallies concluded without serious injuries or major incidents. Authorities praised the overall cooperation of protest organisers and attendees, noting that tensions were largely managed peacefully.
As Australia moves forward, the events of this Australia Day once again highlighted unresolved questions about identity, history, and reconciliation. With each passing year, the conversation grows louder, drawing in younger generations, political leaders, and institutions across the country.
For many Australians, January 26 is no longer just a public holiday—it is a day of reflection, protest, pride, and pain all at once.
Whether Australia Day remains on its current date or changes in the future, the scenes in Perth and other cities suggest that the debate is far from settled. As long as competing rallies continue to draw thousands to the streets, Australia Day will remain a powerful symbol of the nation’s ongoing struggle to reconcile its past with its present.
