Sacked comedian Lisa Jane Spencer appeared at an anti-immigration rally in Melbourne on Sunday, where she delivered a parody “welcome to country” alongside neo-Nazi figure Joel Davis.
About 600 people attended the March for Australia demonstration, which began near Flinders Street Station before moving through the city centre to Victoria’s Parliament House. The event was promoted by organisers as a protest against what they described as restrictions on free speech.
Spencer drew criticism in June after posting a video in which she pretended to identify as Aboriginal. The skit included stereotypical Aboriginal imagery, face paint and a scene showing her sniffing petrol.
She was dismissed by Peninsula Hot Springs, where she worked, after the video prompted a backlash. The company said it did not support material inconsistent with its commitment to inclusion, respect and cultural safety.
Spencer has rejected accusations of racism and said the video was intended to satirise white people who claim Indigenous identity. She has also said she was considering legal advice over her dismissal.
At Sunday’s rally, she revived the character she had used in the disputed video and mocked Indigenous traditions while addressing the crowd. Her remarks were met with cheers from some demonstrators.
Davis, who has previously been described as a prominent neo-Nazi, also addressed the gathering. He has faced hate-speech charges in New South Wales and was previously arrested over alleged threats made against federal MP Allegra Spender.
Police in Melbourne reported a series of arrests and other enforcement action as the demonstration progressed. Victoria Police said projectiles were thrown across police lines towards opposing groups, creating a risk to protesters, members of the public and officers.
A 31-year-old Yarraville man, a 27-year-old man from Neerim and a 24-year-old Brunswick woman were arrested over allegations including assaulting and resisting police. A woman from Northcote and a man from Maribyrnong were processed for offensive behaviour and are expected to face charges by summons.
A 31-year-old Fitzroy man was moved on for an alleged breach of the peace, while three other men were issued penalty notices for alleged riotous behaviour.
Police said officers would review CCTV footage and investigate any further offences identified. The force said it respected the right to peaceful protest but had “zero tolerance” for conduct threatening public safety.
The Melbourne gathering was one of several March for Australia events held across the country on Sunday. Organisers listed rallies in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Canberra, and said the demonstrations were intended to oppose new laws they claim restrict political speech.
The movement has previously attracted members and speakers linked to Australia’s far right. At earlier rallies, police removed people associated with the now-banned National Socialist Network, while a man was jailed after making an antisemitic speech at a Sydney event on Australia Day.
