Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles has sharply condemned the disruptive booing that occurred during the Anzac Day dawn service in Melbourne. Marles was present among dignitaries and veterans at the Shrine of Remembrance when a small group began to shout, prompting him to express his outrage during an interview on the Today show. He described the actions as “terrible” and “deplorable,” emphasising that such behaviour should not overshadow the significance of Anzac Day, which honours those who served in Australia’s armed forces.
Marles noted that the booing was initiated by a minority of attendees and reiterated the importance of focusing on the day’s purpose. His sentiments were echoed by the Opposition Leader, Peter Dutton, who denounced the protestors, referring to their alignment with neo-Nazi movements as a disgrace. Dutton praised police for their prompt response and remarked that anyone espousing Nazi ideologies must be “mentally unstable.”
The situation unfolded further when booing resumed as Victoria’s Governor, Margaret Gardner, delivered a Welcome to Country address. The agitators, including Jacob Hersant—who previously made headlines for performing an illegal Nazi salute—were eventually escorted from the venue by police and event officials. Hersant defended his actions, claiming he had the right to express his opinion.
Victoria Police confirmed they were monitoring the situation and had interviewed a 26-year-old man about his behaviour during the service. He was directed to leave the Shrine and was to be dealt with via summons.
The protests were widely condemned, with Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan expressing her disappointment on ABC, stating that such disruption contradicts the memorial spirit of the gathering. Allan highlighted the importance of coming together to remember the sacrifices made during war, emphasizing the significance of maintaining peace as a result of that history.