Nationalists storm Moreland City Council meeting in protest of its decision to dump Australia Day

FAR RIGHT nationalists have stormed a Moreland council meeting, screaming into megaphones in protest of its decision to dump Australia Day.

Moreland City council meeting stormed by far right protesters. Picture: Supplied

FAR RIGHT nationalists have stormed an inner city council meeting in protest of its decision to dump Australia Day.

Members of Patriots Blue hijacked the Moreland Council meeting yesterday evening, draped in Australian flags and chanting “shame Moreland”.

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Protest organiser Neil Erikson said the council had no business interfering in national politics.

“I think they should focus on the three R’s: rates, roads and rubbish … they should not be dealing with a national holiday,” Mr Erikson told the Herald Sun.

In a video posted on Facebook of the protest, Moreland councillors can be seen leaving the room as soon as the group enters.

Startled members of the public are forced to cover their ears as the protesters scream at them through megaphones during the five minute rally.

Mr Erikson suggested some of the people there were putting it on for the cameras.

“Most of the people in there that look distressed were left-type people who were putting it on for the cameras,” he said.

Moreland City council deputy mayor Samantha Ratnam said the council would not be cowed by “so-called patriots” and stood by their decision on Australia Day.

“We are proud of our stance on moving Australia Day,” Ms Ratnam said.

“These so-called patriots can try to bust up our meetings, but we will continue to do the truly patriotic thing and push for a national day that all Australians can celebrate,” she said.

Last month the group staged similar demonstrations at Yarra City and had plans to protest at Darebin Council as well. Both councils have voted to abandon Australia Day celebrations.

“We’re going to head over to Darebin eventually and do something a little different,” he said.

“I would lay my life down for this country, there’s never a limit,” Mr Erikson said.

Councillors from Moreland City Council have been contacted for comment.

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