Josh Frydenberg slams ‘abhorrent’ Nazi salutes at St Kilda

Josh Frydenberg, the nation’s most prominent Jewish MP. says Nazi views at yesterday’s rally ‘have no place in Australia today’

Josh Frydenberg, the nation’s most prominent Jewish MP, said the Nazi salutes at the St Kilda rally yesterday were “abhorrent” and said the Nazi and fascist views of protestors had no place in modern Australia.

“What was particularly repugnant and abhorrent was the use of the Nazi salute,” he said.

“Australians died fighting fascism and Nazism. And those views should be confined to the dustbin of history. They have no place in Australia today.”

The Treasurer also condemned Senator Anning’s appearance, but would not comment on whether he should pay back taxpayer funds used to get him there.

“Fraser Anning’s appearance was unacceptable and he should not have participated in this divisive event,” he said.

“We have an independent parliamentary entitlements authority and that would be a matter for them.”

Scott Morrison has also denounced the far right protests, which included neo-Nazis.

Up to three people were arrested yesterday as nearly 300 far right protesters took over the south Melbourne beach and had minor scuffles with a larger group of anti-racism demonstrators.

The Prime Minister thanked Victoria Police for their work in keeping far right and counter-left protesters apart, and said the far-right protests were “ugly”.

“I thank Vic police for their efforts dealing with the ugly racial protests we saw in St Kilda yesterday. Intolerance does not make Australia stronger,” he said.

“Australia is the most successful migrant country in the world. This has been achieved by showing respect for each other, our laws and values and maintaining sensible immigration policies.

“Let’s keep it that way, it makes Australia stronger.”

[1/2] I thank Vic police for their efforts dealing with the ugly racial protests we saw in St Kilda yesterday. Intolerance does not make Australia stronger.

— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) January 5, 2019

[2/2] Australia is the most successful migrant country in the world. This has been achieved by showing respect for each other, our laws and values and maintaining sensible immigration policies. Let’s keep it that way, it makes Australia stronger.

— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) January 5, 2019

Mr Morrison did not mention independent Queensland senator Fraser Anning, who was a guest of the far-right protesters included convicted criminals Blair Cottrell and Neil Erikson.

Fellow parliamentarians attacked his appearance at the rally. Fellow crossbencher Derryn Hinch said Senator Anning’s behaviour was “repugnant” while Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young described it as “inexcusable.”

“The government should refuse to take Fraser Anning’s vote after he has shown again he is unfit to be in Parliament. Hanging out and supporting with neo-Nazis who are inciting violence is inexcusable,” Senator Hanson-Young tweeted.

The Government should refuse to take Fraser Anning’s vote in the Senate after he has shown again he is unfit to be in the Parliament. Hanging out and supporting with neo-nazi who are inciting violence is inexcusable.

— Sarah Hanson-Young💚 (@sarahinthesen8) January 5, 2019

Bill Shorten took to Facebook to condemn the right-wing protests and said Australia could not achieve anything by “pulling the racist lever.”

In the corrosive and fragmented climate of public debate, it’s become unfortunately common for some to seek out attention by picking on minorities, the less powerful, by attacking in the most vile terms, normally someone who can’t defend themselves,” he said in the statement.

“Here and around the world, right-wing extremists are turning this into a political art form.

“Australia won’t achieve any of what our nation’s great destiny can be by pulling the racist lever.”