Drummond Street Services Reject Racist Protests and Rising Far-Right
Drummond Street Services stands firmly against the upcoming March for Australia rallies and their racist, anti-immigration agenda.
The language of these rallies, calling for migrants to be excluded and communities divided, has no place here or anywhere. It is racist, harmful, and deliberately fuels fear. We are deeply concerned by the rise of far-right movement in Australia, especially following the recent march where more than 100 Nazis were able to move through the streets of Melbourne unstopped. These acts embolden extremism and normalise hate.
For our staff and clients, many of whom are migrants, refugees, First Nations people, people of colour, and members of communities repeatedly targeted by this rhetoric, the impacts are personal and painful, and many have already expressed their fear in relation to the proposed rallies. These rallies spread misinformation and hate to the general community, creating fear in daily life; retraumatise those who have fled violence and persecution, and erode the sense of safety that every person has the right to expect in their home and community.
As an organisation committed to social justice, we reject attempts to scapegoat migrants or blame cultural diversity for the complex challenges our society faces. The reality is that housing stress, the cost-of-living crisis, and economic inequality will not be solved by division or hate.
We stand together with those who oppose against racism and the far right and commit to actively build a future that is safe, fair, and inclusive for everyone.
