By Rachel Eddie
State and federal political leaders from both major parties have condemned a protest held by a group of neo-Nazis in the regional NSW town of Corowa, warning they would face police action.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan called on the community to unite against “hate and division” after the neo-Nazis gathered across the Victoria-NSW border on Saturday in a “shocking” display.
The men, believed to be part of a white-supremacist group, gather in front of the Corowa war memorial.
On Sunday, Allan said she was seeking further advice on whether any of those dispersed by NSW Police for unauthorised assembly, dressed in black and many with face coverings, were from Victoria.
NSW Premier Chris Minns branded the behaviour in Corowa “despicable” and said the rally-goers were not from his state.
“We have a very simple message for these far-right extremists and neo-Nazis, who are not from our state – you’re not welcome in NSW, and any attempts to spread hate here will be met with the full force of the NSW Police,” Minns said.
Allan said the rally was further vindication of Victoria’s step to ban the public display of the salute and Nazi symbols and why the government was going further to introduce a bill to parliament this year to strengthen the state’s anti-vilification framework.
“This is disgraceful and cowardly behaviour by a small number of individuals,” Allan said. “It is hurtful and it is hateful. And there is absolutely no place in any part of our community or organisations [for it].
“It’s shocking behaviour driven by hate and division. It’s disgraceful behaviour and that is why we should all be united in not just calling out this behaviour, but stamping out this behaviour before it takes root. We must, we must stamp out this behaviour.”
About 50 people gathered in front of the town’s war memorial, and held a sign that read “white man fight back”. They could be heard chanting those words, along with “Australia for the white man, the rest must go”.
A masked member of the group carried a flag bearing the logo of the National Socialist Network.
NSW Police is investigating.
Video on social media appears to show Thomas Sewell, the self-appointed leader of that group, address the town of Corowa. Sewell appeared to be heckled in the video.
Melbourne man Jacob Hersant, who is set to face jail after being convicted for performing a Nazi salute outside the County Court of Victoria in October 2023, posted footage of the event on social media.
On Sunday, Sussan Ley, the federal Liberal member for the electorate of Farrer, which takes in Corowa, said the town had now joined “Ballarat in being subject to this sort of unacceptable activity”.
“It is clear this is part of a strategy to shock and provoke using regional towns,” Ley said in a statement posted to social media. “In recent months, similar activities have been rightly shut down in our cities. We cannot and should not tolerate gangs of balaclava-covered thugs spouting hate anywhere in this country.”
She said law enforcement authorities had the federal Coalition’s support “to take whatever action is necessary to dismantle this organisation and stop these sorts of activities occurring”.
“We must redouble efforts to counter this radicalisation and equip our authorities with every necessary support to take stronger action.”
Victorian Opposition Leader John Pesutto said incidents like this had to be condemned in the strongest possible terms. “And I do,” he said.
“It is totally disgusting to see these displays, what they stand for. Their messages are odious.”
Justin Clancy, NSW state MP for Albury, said the “community unequivocally condemns the cowardly white supremacist activity” and quoted the national anthem.
“There is no place for such divisiveness and hatred. This is not who we are.”
Corowa Mayor Patrick Bourke on Saturday said the rally was absolutely disgusting, cowardly and unbelievable. “It’s definitely not welcome here.”
Separately on Saturday, Victoria Police announced the force had suspended a 65-year-old sergeant on full pay while she is investigated for allegedly performing a Nazi salute twice last week in front of colleagues at the Victorian Police Academy.
Allan on Sunday said she supported Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton’s actions.
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