A group of neo-Nazis have staged an impromptu rally in the CBD hours after Jewish vigil

The Premier has slammed a group of neo-Nazis who held an impromptu rally at the station before performing the Hitler salute as they boarded a train, just hours after the city’s Jewish community held a vigil for Israel.

A group of neo-Nazis have staged an impromptu demonstration in Melbourne’s CBD. Picture: Telegram

Premier Jacinta Allan has condemned a group of “cowardly” neo-Nazis who staged an impromptu demonstration in Melbourne’s CBD, performing Hitler salutes and singing songs about a “White Australia”.

About 25 neo-Nazis dressed in black were spotted at the steps of Flinders St station surrounded by police, before performing the Nazi salute as they boarded a train.

Ms Allan said the behaviour did not reflect the views of Victorians, who stood with Jewish communities.

“We condemn this hateful and cowardly behaviour at all times – but it is particularly abhorrent at a time when our Jewish and Israeli communities are hurting and grieving,” she said.

“We will always stand against antisemitism, hatred and racism – we are making sure people who use these symbols and gestures to harass, intimidate and incite hate are held accountable.”

People who intentionally display or perform a Nazi symbol or gesture in public will face penalties of more than $23,000, 12 months’ imprisonment or both, under legislation currently before Parliament.

Inside the train, the group of neo-Nazis sang “The White Australia song” which includes lyrics about defending “the white man’s lands” for “Anglo-Saxon race and Southern Cross”.

The demonstration which started at Parliament House about 1.30am on Saturday was believed to be “unplanned”, according to police.

“A group of around 25 people gathered for a short time at the locations about 1.30am, before they were directed to move on by police,” a police spokesperson said.

“There were no reported incidents during the demonstration and at this stage, unless further information is received, no offences were detected.

“Police will however, assess the circumstances surrounding the demonstration and review vision of the incident and people involved.”

The Nazi salute is yet to be banned in Victoria, despite a strong push from the state government to legislate a ban that could involve penalties of more than $23,000, 12 months’ jail or both.

The demonstration comes as tensions between Hamas and Israel escalate in the Middle East and after Melbourne’s Jewish community held a vigil at Caulfield Park.

Dr Dvir Abramovich, chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission, said Victoria has become the “neo-Nazi capital” of Australia.

“Something is very wrong in our state and we should be all alarmed by this evil brazen and stomach-churning outrage that will forever be a stain in Melbourne,” he said.

“This beyond despicable display of Hitler worshipping and depravity belongs in Nazi Germany of the 1930s and Victoria Police and Premier Allan have to explain how this terrifying intimidation was allowed. Imagine the horror a Holocaust survivor would feel if they witnessed this public expression of singular evil which they probably never thought they would see in their lifetime.

“In the very week that the Jewish community across the country mourned the cold blooded murder of Israelis, these hardcore Hitler worshippers and modern-day guards terrorised the community.

“I urge the Allan government to quickly implement the ban on the Nazi salute that they develop a plan of action to combat this violent extremist ideology and ask the Federal government to designate all such groups as terrorist organisations.”

Deputy Leader of the Opposition, David Southwick said this group should not be allowed to “incite hate and threaten violence”.

“The Jewish community are already on edge, with many living in fear.

“This is a shocking and dangerous incident that is contrary to Victoria’s identify as a tolerant and multicultural community.”