Deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley condemned the rally in her electorate. Photo: Sussan Ley Facebook.
Federal Deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley condemned a neo-Nazi group’s decision to converge on Corowa and Albury in a speech to parliament on Wednesday (6 November).
Meanwhile, NSW Liberal leader Mark Speakman visited Corowa last week for the first time since the National Socialist Network held a demonstration in the town on 12 October.
“I rise with a message from my electorate of Farrer: those who try to divide us will only make us stronger,” Ms Ley told parliament.
“On 12 October, up to 50 neo-Nazis dressed in black with faces covered converged at Corowa along the NSW Murray River.
“The location choice was no coincidence; Corowa is the birthplace of Australia’s federation.
“These men, the National Socialist Network, sought support for a publicity stunt. They failed miserably. Corowa rebuked the mob, demanding they leave town immediately.”
It’s been reported the men were chanting racist slogans and that they’d come across the border from Victoria – where there are stronger restrictions on neo-Nazi gatherings.
Ms Ley said the group also assembled in her hometown of Albury, at the war memorial, where they preached “white supremacy rubbish to themselves”.
“That’s where these views will be delivered, disappearing into the void of a dark night. You might meet in secret or sink into backroom social media sites, but as soon as you come out of the dark, you will be rejected. Failing to find support in our cities? If you think there’s a base for you in rural Australia, think again. Corowa and Albury have spoken loudly — those who try and divide us only make us stronger.”
NSW Liberals leader Mark Speakman met with Albury-based NSW MP Justin Clancy and community leaders in Corowa on Friday (1 November).
“What happened last month is not who we are. The Corowa community we all know and enjoy is jam-packed with genuine, kind, and honest people and it’s a privilege for me to represent this community in my role as the Member for Albury,” Mr Speakman said.
“This community sticks together when the going gets tough, they’ve experienced natural disasters, COVID border lockdowns, and the recent resurrection of their beloved Corowa-Rutherglen Football Netball Club in the O&M after a few tough years on the paddock.”
Liberal leader Mark Speakman met with community leaders in Corowa. Photo: Facebook.
Michelle Milthorpe, an independent candidate who is running against Ms Ley in the seat of Farrer, also condemned the group.
“Led by convicted felon and neo-Nazi, Thomas Sewell, the protest that took place in Corowa on Saturday does not represent local feelings on issues of equality and equity. This was clearly demonstrated in the way that the impacted community members of Corowa stood up against the men who tried to import and spread hate in their town on Saturday,” she said.
“Well done to the community members who showed strength and outrage in the way they responded to the mostly faceless bullies who attended … there is no place for vitriol and hate in regional communities.”
Premier Chris Minns described the demonstration as “despicable”.
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