Anti-Migration Protests Prompt Safety Plea

Hobart’s multicultural community is on edge as a planned nationwide anti-migration protest on Sunday, 31 August 2025, sparks safety concerns.

The All Indians Association Inc. Tasmania has requested a police presence near its Hindu Prayer Centre, which expects hundreds of attendees for its regular Sunday gathering.

The association’s president, Devi Sharma, has emphasised a message of “unity,” stating,

“We do not support counter-protests, only peaceful prayer and togetherness.”

Tasmania Police has confirmed it is working with community leaders to ensure safety. The government has also expressed its commitment to multicultural harmony.

The association’s press release reinforces the idea that all Australians live under one flag and that protests should focus on Australian issues. Community leaders are urging vigilance and for people to avoid protest areas.

Anti-Migration Protests Prompt Safety Plea 6 Media release – Devi Sharma, President, All Indians Association Inc. Australia, 27 August 2025

Call for Unity: Protests Should Focus on Australian Issues

The All Indians Association Inc. Australia today reaffirmed its commitment to Australia’s multicultural values, unity, and safety, issuing a statement on the importance of keeping public protests centred on Australian issues.

“As a multicultural nation, Australia is home to people of many cultures, but we all live under one flag ‒ the Australian flag,” the Association said.

While recognising that freedom of speech and peaceful protest are protected under Australian law, the Association emphasised that demonstrations should not import overseas conflicts or display foreign flags, as these risk undermining harmony in Australian society.

The Association also acknowledged the vital role of migration in building Australia. “Migration should not be stopped, but it must remain balanced and sustainable, aligned with the real needs of our nation and its people.”

The All Indians Association called on all communities to stand together in promoting peace, unity, and multicultural harmony, ensuring that Australia’s future remains strong under one flag.

25 August 2025

The Hon. Premier of Tasmania,
The Commissioner of Police, Tasmania Police,
The Commander, Tasmania Police,
The Hon. Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Tasmania

Subject: Request for Police Support and Community Safety on 31 August 2025

Dear Premier, Commissioner, Commander, and Minister,

On behalf of All Indians Association Inc. Tasmania, the Hindu community, and the broader multicultural community, I am reaching out to seek your kind support regarding planned protests against migrants on Sunday, 31 August 2025.

As detailed in the attached official letter, we respectfully request police presence and patrolling near our Hindu Prayer Centre and other multicultural gathering places in Hobart to ensure safety and harmony on that day.

We sincerely appreciate the continued support of the Tasmanian Government and Tasmania Police in protecting multicultural harmony and ensuring the wellbeing of all communities.

Kind regards,
Devi Sharma
President – All Indians Association Inc. Tasmania
President – Sarv Brahmin Mahasabha Association Inc. Tasmania
Public Relations Officer – Indian Festival Association Inc. Tasmania
Board Member – Hindu Society of Tasmania

Anti-Migration Protests Prompt Safety Plea 7

Media release – Grassroots Action Network Tasmania, 29 August 2025

RALLY FOR HOPE: FIGHT AGAINST FASCISM

This Sunday 31 August from 11:00-13:00 several local advocacy groups will be holding a united ‘Rally for Hope’ at Parliament Lawns in Nipaluna/Hobart calling for an Australia where no one is left behind and everyone is included.

Co-organiser Matt Haubrick from Grassroots Action Network Tasmania said that:

“I’ve spoken to hundreds of workers at the businesses in Salamanca and they were all very supportive of a positive event that is promoting a safe, diverse, prosperous society. Most were very worried about the so-called ‘March for Australia’ and the Neo-Nazis and Sovereign Citizens who are organising it for their own ends.”

Organisers for the ‘Rally for Hope’ are expecting hundreds of attendees to come along and participate in two hours of speeches, music and good vibes. Co-organiser Solomon Doyle from the Lutruwita Socialist Alliance explained: “We want to focus on real solutions for the problems we face together. If multimillionaire landlords and billionaire bosses can be forced to stop hoarding our collective wealth and property, we can house, employ and free all Australians, new and old. We all work hard to build this country, we should all benefit from that labour.”

A spokesperson from new group Tasmanian Socialists elaborated that:

“Immigration is not the cause of perceived problems in so-called Australia – the current situation has been caused by decades of neglect by successive Australian governments and their inability to enact policy to address social and economic inequality. We know that Australia’s strength is in its diversity, and we stand in solidarity with those who have come here to add their lives and experiences to our rich tapestry.”

The event comes a week after hundreds of thousands of Australians demonstrated peacefully across the nation for a free Palestine and the end of the genocide happening in Gaza. Co-organiser and UTAS student ‘CC’ noted that:

“We know from the strength of that movement just how much compassion and hunger for change is in our communities. We hope that this gathering will reflect that compassion and that change. We intend to keep each other safe and to stand united against hate.”

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