Police blocked members of anti-immigration group from Perth dawn service after Anzac Day booing in eastern states

An Anzac Day service in Perth on Saturday. WA police said they removed 15 people from commemorations who were identified as members of ‘issue motivated groups’. Photograph: Antony Dickson/AFP/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenAn Anzac Day service in Perth on Saturday. WA police said they removed 15 people from commemorations who were identified as members of ‘issue motivated groups’. Photograph: Antony Dickson/AFP/Getty ImagesMelbournePolice blocked members of anti-immigration group from Perth dawn service after Anzac Day booing in eastern statesFootage posted online shows police telling people they were being removed due to suspicion they would interrupt ceremony Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Ben SmeeSat 25 Apr 2026 21.20 EDTLast modified on Sat 25 Apr 2026 22.48 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleWestern Australian police say they proactively blocked 15 members of “issue motivated groups” from attending Anzac Day commemorations, following disruptions that marred earlier ceremonies in the eastern states.One man was arrested at the Sydney dawn service at Martin Place, where there was a small but noisy interjection of booing during the Indigenous acknowledgment of country. Booing also marred ceremonies in Melbourne and Perth.The booing has been condemned by First Nations leaders, RSL officials and state premiers.Ahead of Anzac Day, anti-immigration group Fight for Australia had encouraged supporters to contact RSL branches and ask that welcome to country not be included in ceremonies.Sign up for the Breaking News Australia emailPeople connected to the group, formerly known as March for Australia, posted footage online on Sunday showing police in Perth approaching five people and blocking them from attending the dawn service.“Due to your association with the March for Australia group and their actions in the eastern states, you are being removed from the ceremony due to the belief you will interrupt it.“If you fail to leave, you will be arrested, and you will be taken to Perth watch house.“Your association to that group has unfortunately ruined your opportunity to remain at the ceremony today.”‘Racism is a cancer’: Indigenous leaders condemn orchestrated booing at Anzac Day ceremoniesRead moreIn a statement, Western Australian police said they removed 15 people – 14 in Perth and one in regional WA – who were identified as members of “issue motivated groups”. No arrests were made.“WA Police attended to protect the dignity of the commemorations, maintain public safety, and ensure the community could pay their respects without disruption,” WA police said in a statement.“As a result of police intervention, the group was removed without incident, and the dawn service proceeded uninterrupted.“These actions reflect the behaviour of a small minority and do not represent the values of the overwhelming majority of people who attended ANZAC Day services respectfully across WA.”Writing in Guardian Australia, Indigenous academic Marcia Langton said the “morons” who disrupted Saturday’s speeches “should be named, photographed and banned from all future Anzac Day services”.New South Wales police said they had arrested a 24-year-old man for an alleged act of nuisance and will allege he booed at the Cenotaph site in Martin Place.Indigenous speakers booed at Anzac Day services while Ben Roberts-Smith attends separate Gold Coast eventRead morePolice in Victoria said…

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