The questions that remain after neo-Nazis rallied outside parliament
Sixty men in dark uniforms arrive on Macquarie Street on a Saturday morning with one goal in mind: to promote a deeply hateful neo-Nazi ideology. They were organized and quickly gathered in front of the Houses of Parliament. They brought their own cameraman. “Abolish the Jewish Lobby” banners were ready to go.
In contrast, the NSW government’s response showed a real lack of coordination. Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon and Premier Chris Minns revealed on Saturday afternoon that they both knew nothing about the event before it took place.
A National Socialist Network rally was held outside the NSW parliament on Saturday. Credit: Flavio Brancaleone
A declaration of intent to hold the rally on behalf of a prominent National Socialist Network leader was submitted more than a week ago. Somehow he was never seen by the commissioner.
A review was promised. Here are some of the questions that need to be answered.
First, was the notice of intent to hold the rally “published” to the commissioner himself? Lanyon said the protest was allowed because the police did not oppose it within seven days. According to the law, the notice must be sent to the commissioner’s address and served on him. When this byline asked the police media unit we were told “no further comment”.
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Second, why did the name on the submitted form, “White Australia,” not cause alarm at the local police command that received it? White Australia is known by NSW Police as the new branding used by NSN, a group that has been around for years.
Thirdly, has the Parliament House security team been informed? And if so, why hasn’t this sparked discussions at higher levels of government and police?
Fourth, why did the NSW Police not order any action after the protest began and the ugliness of the speeches were laid bare? Even if the police did not believe a crime had been committed, was there any action that could be taken?
