Political leaders condemn Grampians neo-Nazis

Political leaders across Australia have publicly condemned a group of far right-wing neo-Nazi extremists who gathered in the Grampians (Gariwerd) on Gundtijmara Country on January 24.

The group, identified as the National Socialist Network, travelled into the Grampians in rural Western Victoria, where they camped, hiked, rallied and spread rhetoric of white supremacy and anti-Semitism during their stay.

Up to 30 men were in the party, which were heard chanting by families at Lake Bellfield on the evening of January 24. It was alleged the group was shouting the phrases ‘white pride’, ‘Ku Klux Klan’, ‘white power’, and ‘Heil Hitler’.

It’s understood the men were displaying signs, wearing balaclavas and taking photos of themselves as part of the stunt.

Police spoke with the group, where it was ascertained that they were not breaking the law.

It is alleged the group has since made claims that they have suffered due to the lack of support for their stance.

Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton labelled the National Socialist Network a “lunatic” fringe group.

“I categorically condemn any such actions,” he told SBS News.

Since the incident, Minister Dutton has requested the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security commence an inquiry into extremist movements and radicalisation in Australia, including right-wing extremism.

Read the article by Aaron Bloch in the National Indigenous Times.