Multiple protests kick off across Aussie cities, including four in Melbourne

A string of protests across Australia’s capitals and major cities is set to grind traffic to a halt - with thousands expected to turn out to four separate protests in Melbourne alone.

The protests come weeks after crowds flooded the streets as part of the anti-immigration March for Australia rallies across the country, some of which were attended by prominent neo-Nazis.

March for Australia organisers have denied links to white supremacists and the National Socialist Network (NSN).

Multiple anti-corruption rallies organised by the group Australia Unites are set to take place on Saturday afternoon.

In Sydney, initial plans for the group’s Sydney march to be held over the Sydney Harbour Bridge were scrapped and traded for an alternative route following negotiations with police.

“Rally against Racism” protests have also been slated across Australia in response to the recent attack by neo-Nazi’s on the sacred Indigenous site King’s Domain in Melbourne.

A national day of action protest against the attack, called “Sovereignty never ceded”, will also kick off on Saturday across all major cities and some regional areas including Port Macquarie in NSW.

“Save Australia” rallies against immigration are also planned for most Aussie capitals on Saturday. In Melbourne, it will start at 12pm from Parliament House.

Cops worried about ‘conflict’

Victoria Police earlier expressed concern some groups may “seek conflict and confrontation”, with a large police presence expected in Melbourne CBD.

It follows members of the NSN - including its leader Thomas Sewell - attending the March for Australia rally on August 31, before the group splintered off.

Victoria Police Superintendent Troy Papworth warned protesters ahead of Saturday, saying police were “completely sick of people using protesting as a veiled excuse to punch on”.

“Melbourne’s CBD should be a vibrant and welcoming place to visit — not a place where people come to spout hate and violence,” Mr Papworth said.

“Throwing rotten fruit, taunting police, and violently attacking people based on their race is not protesting – it’s gutless.

“If you are coming into the CBD on Saturday with the intention of fighting, throwing objects or abusing others, you can expect to spend some time in a police cell.”