By Joe Montero

The nationwide anti-immigration marches across Australia are concerning. Under the banner of March for Australia, tens of thousands took to the streets. But this does not mean that they are all Nazis, as some would have it.

To comprehend what is going on, one must see that that the sentiment expressed under the sea of Australian flags, is the result of anger over the state of the economy, the pressure on living standards, and insecurity about the future. Those with power over the Australian economy and political institutions act in the interests of a greedy few at the top. This generates disillusionment with the political system and those who serve it, giving credence to the view that they do not act in the interests of the majority.

It so happens that those who marched in opposition to this group share these concerns, which means that there is much in common. If this is the case, there is good reason to reach out and build unity on these matters. Recognition of where unity is impossible can and should be recognised as well. But this should be handled that won’t jeopardise possibilities for unity. This, of course, does not apply to consciously subscribing to Nazism or other types of fascism. They must be separated from the majority who participate in events like the March for Australia.

There is no denial that Nazi groups and others with an ultra-right agenda are meddling in troubled waters. This includes some of those within the Zionist movement. There are credible indications that undercover police and agents of the intelligence agencies are involved doing their part to encourage confrontation. is should be surprising to anyone. The elite running the country know that they are on the back foot. Few trust them. The elite fears the potential of this to bring it undone. Measures are taken to protect the privileges of a few. Deceit is used. Media is harnessed to divert, propagate division, encourage repression, and divide and rule.

Under cover provocateurs have also been active in the pro-Palestine movement, provoking confrontation, and a small element falls for it. Intoxicated with taking on fascism, but seeing it in terms of individuals and symbols, instead of something that emerges out of the conditions of society, fail to see that taking on the threat of fascism mean building around an alternative solution to today’s problems.

Open confrontation in the streets by just a few provides an opportunity for fascists to be painted as the victims of thugs, to win a measure of public sympathy, and to recruit new members into their vile organisations.

Even without this, the conditions of today raise opportunities for fascist elements to penetrate into genuine movements, insert their own organisers, spokespeople, and provocateurs. These groups are not really against the ruling elite. They are funded by elements within it, given legitimacy, and opportunities for media coverage in their favour. These groups insert their slogans into the broader group, which is not conscious of their real content.

Other elements belonging to a substantial part of the liberal Party and One Nation were involved in the marches, using their organisation capacity and members to build the turnout in the streets for opportunistic motives. The Liberals do it covertly. One Nations do it overtly.

The best way to meet the challenge this poses is to put in the effort needed to mobilise the nation into a broad movement for some shared and concrete objectives. St present, the movement in support of the people of Gaza is leading. This is the reason why it is under attack, and it is no coincidence that the anti-immigration marches took place in the same week that the Iranian ambassador was expelled from Australia.

Nor is it a coincidence that it fell soon after the Albanese government was forced by public opinion and internal division to at least recognise Palestine in words. This opened the contradiction between the words and the practice of continuing diplomatic support for Isreal, participating in arming its war machine, and covering up the holocaust in Gaza. The Albanese government has something to gain by diverting attention away from the ongoing marches in support of Palestine or at least discrediting them in the eyes of the public, and the March for Australia and confrontation in the streets provided an opportunity.

To be seduced by scoundrels and opportunists into conflict designed to crate diversion and division within the Australian population is foolish. Acting through careful consideration means avoiding trap that paints the other side as the victims, wins them public sympathy, and provides recruits for fascist groups. This is the outcome of foolish behaviour and accusing those who are not of being Nazis.

The answer is to counter the politics of hate with the politics of unity based on real solutions to the problems Australia faces as a nation.

Pro-Palestinian groups overall are handling the situation well. But it is not enough to rely on them alone. This is a bigger problem. The rise of a broad movement, which is inclusive and builds unity built on working for real answers to today’s domestic problems is essential. This movement must provide realistic and concrete solutions to problems like the rising cost of living, the lack of affordable housing, the degeneration of public services and key infrastructure, and work for a fairer society, in the context of building a new and sustainable economy. This movement must provide a truly democratic answer to the political power of the elite, and it stand for peace and international cooperation, instead of conflict.

It will take time and will to achieve this. But is there really any other choice? If Australia continues in its present trajectory, it will be a necessity.