21 Sep 2023 | 02:06 PM UTC
Australia: Activists to hold nationwide rallies Sept. 23
Activists to organize demonstrations across Australia Sept. 23. Rally planned at Sydney's Hyde Park. Increased security, disruptions likely.
Event
Activists plan to rally across Australia on Sept. 23 to oppose the upcoming Oct. 14 referendum, which will decide on establishing an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Organizers plan to gather in several urban centers, including Adelaide, Canberra, Casino, Melbourne, Sydney, and Yeppoon. While further details were immediately unavailable, potential gathering sites include prominent government buildings, casinos, public squares, parks, and thoroughfares in other locations nationwide. Larger, well-attended gatherings could possibly draw thousands of participants.
Authorities will almost certainly monitor any such rallies that occur and may move to disperse overly disruptive crowds. Counter-protests are possible. Isolated clashes between police and activists, as well as between protesters and counter-demonstrators, cannot be ruled out. Demonstrators may march along and/or block roadways, prompting localized transport disruptions.
Context
On Oct. 14, Australia will hold a historic referendum to establish an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, aiming to recognize Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the country's constitution and create a permanent advisory body for legislative advice. The proposal has sparked vigorous debate, as Australia has not had a successful referendum in nearly 50 years. To pass, the referendum requires a majority of votes nationally and majority support in at least four of Australia's six states. The referendum's details, including the body's composition and powers, will be determined and debated by the parliament if approved. The rallies planned for Sept. 23 are a series of opposing demonstrations likely to occur over the coming weeks in Australia. On Sept. 17, nearly 20,000 activists held nationwide rallies in support of the referendum.
Advice
Avoid all demonstrations as a precaution. Depart the area at the first sign of any security disturbance. Allow additional travel time near gathering sites. Heed all official transport and security advisories.
