Security ramped after fears groups ‘sharing alternative views’ plan to disrupt Australia Day celebrations

Police will be ramping up safety measures amid rising fears of disruption to Australia Day events in Adelaide’s CBD and Premier Malinauskas urges the community to ‘enjoy the day safely.’

About 11am on Saturday 12 January, police were called to Morphett Street, Adelaide after reports of a protest in which the protesters were disguising their faces with ski masks. Picture: 7NEWS

Premier Peter Malinauskas has joined Police Commissioner Grant Stevens in issuing a warning to groups planning to disrupt events on Australia Day.

Extra police will be deployed throughout the city amid concerns some groups may use the occasion to disrupt a number of pre-approved events and protests taking place on January 26.

Mr Malinauskas has urged South Australians to “enjoy the day safely”.

“The one thing we will not tolerate is those who threaten, vilify or are violent towards others, and anyone considering such behaviour can expect a swift response from SA Police,” he told The Advertiser.

“We are a liberal, tolerant, peaceful and multicultural society, with far more that unites us than divides us.”

Premier Peter Malinauskas has urged people to “enjoy the day safely” on January 26. Picture: Ben Clark

Mr Stevens said several events expected to attract tens of thousands of people were taking place in the city on Sunday, including Tour Down Under races and Australia Day protests.

“We’re mindful of the overlap with these events and it’s also, in some respects, a motivator for some groups to come and participate with a view to potentially sharing alternative views or disrupting the lawful behaviour of others so that’s the reason we’ve called together a significantly large group of police and have plans in place to bring on others if we see anything that would disrupt any of these well-organised events,” he said.

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens expressed concern groups “sharing alternative views” would disrupt Australia Day celebrations. Picture: Dean Martin

Mr Stevens said while events such as Mourning in the Morning, two Tour Down Under races, a Survival Day demonstration, the Australian Lights on the River event and the Respecting Country Parade had been organised in collaboration with SA Police, authorities were aware of other events that had been planned for the day without their input.

“We do have a concern that there may be gatherings that have not been prepared in conjunction with police and we’ll obviously be paying very close attention to those and taking action where necessary,” he said.

“One thing that we will not be tolerating is any behaviour that is violent, disruptive, racist or anti-social, and we are expecting people who are participating in these events to behave in a respectful manner and comply with their obligations for safe, respectful assembly.”

About 11am on Saturday 12 January, police were called to Morphett Street, Adelaide after reports of a protest in which the participants were disguising their faces with ski masks. Picture: 7NEWS

This comes after The Advertiser revealed the National Socialist Network, which is one of Australia’s largest far-right groups, is planning a major gathering with senior members from across the country coming for a three-day conference in Adelaide.

It is understood the NSN group is planning a protest march on Sunday in the CBD.

The neo-Nazis will be wearing an identical black uniform, complete with hats, sunglasses and Australian flags.

Meanwhile, an Australia Day Council of South Australia spokesperson said they “work closely with relevant authorities, including South Australia Police” to “ensure community safety and wellbeing at events”.

The Advertiser has learned that this afternoon. January 25, the NSN group will be holding an interstate kickboxing tournament as part of their national conference at the Spruance Hall in Elizabeth East.

A source has revealed to The Advertiser that “between 80 and 100 men” were seen going into Spruance Hall carrying a number of large bags at around 3pm Saturday afternoon.

A spokeswoman from Playford City Council said that she had confirmed that an individual had booked the venue tonight, but were unaware of any group affiliations that individual has.