'Neo-Nazis' Disrupt Welcome at Melbourne Anzac Dawn Service

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Political leaders from across the spectrum have slammed the behaviour of hecklers who disrupted Melbourne’s Anzac Day dawn service, booing during the Welcome to Country and targeting Indigenous speakers.

Around 50,000 people gathered at the Shrine of Remembrance early Friday morning to pay their respects. But the solemn atmosphere was interrupted during a Welcome to Country by Uncle Mark Brown, a Bunurong and Gunditjmara Elder. A small number of attendees began booing and heckling, demanding the speech be stopped.

Thankfully, the crowd quickly responded — the hecklers were drowned out by loud applause and support for Uncle Mark.

Among those later removed by police was known neo-Nazi Jacob Hersant. He was seen being escorted away from the service. Hersant made headlines last year for being the first Victorian convicted for performing an illegal Nazi salute in public, serving a month behind bars.

Victoria Police confirmed they’re investigating a 26-year-old man from Kensington over the incident, and he’s likely to be charged.

Premier Jacinta Allan didn’t hold back in condemning the behaviour. “To pierce the sombre silence and solemnity of the dawn service isn’t just disrespectful — it dishonours everything those who served stood for,” she said. “For a neo-Nazi to behave that way at such a sacred moment is absolutely disgraceful.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed that, calling it “abhorrent, un-Australian, and disgraceful.” He added that those responsible should face the full force of the law.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton agreed, calling the heckling a “disgrace” and saying neo-Nazis “have no place” in Australia. “They’re not part of Australian culture. Every right-thinking Australian would be disgusted.”

Dutton also threw his support behind the Welcome to Country, saying it’s an important part of official ceremonies and should be respected.

Victorian Governor Margaret Gardner was also booed during her speech after acknowledging the traditional owners of the land — another moment that drew criticism from all sides of politics.

Defence Minister Richard Marles, who attended the service, said the behaviour came from just a tiny fraction of the crowd but still called it “an outrage.”

Veterans Minister Matt Keogh didn’t mince words either. He told the booing was “completely disrespectful” and had no place at Anzac Day events.

Shadow Veterans Minister Barnaby Joyce also weighed in, calling Anzac Day “our most sacred day” and describing those who disrupted it as “a complete and utter disgrace.”

Despite the ugly moment, the overwhelming majority of those at the service were there to honour and remember — and they made their voices of respect heard loud and clear.

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