Corowa, NSW: Community in shock as white supremacists rally in border town
Written by admin on October 13, 2024
Deputy Liberal Leader Sussan Ley has condemned the actions of a group of about 50 white supremacists who stormed a regional town on the NSW and Victorian border.
The incident occurred outside the Corowa War Memorial about midday Saturday, with the group seen holding a large banner saying “white man fight back”.
The figures, dressed head to toe in black, were heard chanting white supremacist slogans.
Ms Ley, who is the federal MP of Farrer which takes in Corowra, said the activity was “unacceptable” and pointed to a trend of the extremist group targeting regional towns to “shock and provoke”.
“A group of white supremacists has sought to use the historic town of Corowa, which is in my Farrer electorate and the birthplace of federation, as the latest backdrop in their campaign to sow division and spread hate – they were rightly sent away and are rightly condemned,” she said.
“We cannot and should not tolerate gangs of balaclava covered thugs spouting hate anywhere in this country.
“Federal and state authorities have the Coalition’s support to take whatever action is necessary to dismantle this organisation and stop these sorts of activities occurring.“
In December last year, about 30 men also clad in all-black undertook a similar unplanned demonstration, and were seen holding a banner with similar messaging.
Ms Ley also said government needed to “redouble” efforts to “counter this radicalisation and equip our authorities with every necessary support to take stronger action”.
“Australians should all be proud of the diversity of our multicultural nation,” she said.
“We must remember this group only represents an isolated minority, made up of radicalised individuals, and that the vast majority of our country stands against them.”
Members of the community were critical of the group on social media, labelling the rally “disgusting”.
“What a horrible thing to happen in our community,” one person said.
One figure associated with Victoria’s white supremacist movement, posted on X claiming the march was because the local pork industry had been bought out by multinational corporations.
He claimed these companies were “importing” workers at the expense of white residents.
The incident comes just days after a self-described Nazi became the first person to be convicted under Victoria’s laws banning the Nazi salute in public.
