Thousands of protesters have descended on the Perth CBD this afternoon with two separate rallies being held to mark the Australia Day public holiday.
The Boorloo/Perth Invasion Day protest began at midday at Forrest Place ahead of an organised march through the city towards Stirling Gardens.
A separate rally, called March for Australia, saw another group of protesters gather at Wellington Square at noon.
Similar rallies have already begun in other major capital cities around Australia as thousands use the national holiday to express their views.
In Sydney, an Invasion Day rally at Hyde Park opened with a tribute to the victims of the Lake Cargelligo shooting.
Photos of the victims Sophie Quinn, who was pregnant when she was allegedly murdered, her partner John Harris and Sophie’s aunt Nerida Quinn, were displayed at the protest.
In Melbourne, both rallies were several thousand people strong, with the Invasion Day march estimated to be at least twice the size of the March for Australia.
January 26, the day Governor Arthur Phillip ran up the British flag at Sydney Cove, is officially Australia Day, but many around the country mark the date as “Invasion Day”, recognising the dispossession of Indigenous Australians.
According to a Facebook page promoting the event, this year’s Perth March for Australia rally appears to focus more on Australia Day and keeping the public holiday on the traditional date.
A WA Police spokeswoman said a strong presence was maintained by local officers for the rallies.
“Police continue to monitor individuals and groups who may pose a risk to public safety and will intervene where conduct becomes criminal or disorderly in nature,” she said.
“A highly visible policing presence will be maintained at a number of locations to support safe and peaceful events for everyone.
“While there is no intelligence to suggest any heightened threat in WA, these high visibility patrols are in place to provide reassurance and demonstrate our commitment to keeping the community safe and preventing harm.”
The spokeswoman added that the WA Police Force respects the rights of individuals to express their views and will only intervene when a protest becomes unlawful, disorderly, or poses a risk to public safety.
“Officers may issue a move-on notice where there is a reasonable belief that someone may breach the peace,” she said.
“Dangerous or illegal behaviour, including the display of prohibited symbols, will result in swift police action.
“The Western Australia Police Force encourages everyone to take care of themselves and others, remain aware of their surroundings, and help ensure a safe and respectful day for the community.
“The WA Police Force runs a statewide policing operation to maintain community safety.”
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