Police have broken up a group of white supremacists demonstrating in a small Victorian-NSW border community.
Around 50 balaclava-clad men were spotted in Corowa, on the Murray River, on Saturday afternoon, huddled under a banner that read "white man fight back".
A video posted online shows the group's leader, Thomas Sewell, delivering a tirade suggesting white people are being "pushed out" of their towns.
Police said no arrests were made, but inquiries into the incident were ongoing.
Deputy Opposition leader Sussan Ley, who is the local federal MP, said she was "saddened this hate was forced upon members of my community".
"It is clear this is part of a strategy to shock and provoke using regional towns … in recent months, similar activities have been rightly shut down in our cities," she said in a statement.
"We can not and should not tolerate gangs of balaclava covered thugs spouting hate anywhere in this country."
Ley said it was heartening to hear that Corowa residents had made it clear to those demonstrating that "racism and hate has no place" in their town.
"Australians should all be proud of the diversity of our multicultural nation," she said.
"We must remember this group only represents an isolated minority, made up of radicalised individuals, and that the vast majority of our country stands against them."
NSW Premier Chris Minns said the actions of those who participated in the rally were "completely despicable".
"We have a very simple message for these far right extremists & neo-nazis, who are not from our state - you're not welcome in NSW & any attempts to spread hate here will be met with the full force of [NSW Police]," he wrote on social media platform X on Sunday.
A supplied screen-grab of the white supremacists demonstrating in Corowa on Saturday. Source: AAP / The Noticer
The 65-year-old woman is accused of making the banned gesture on Tuesday and Wednesday in front of colleagues at the state's police academy, as well as using the words "Heil Hitler".
She was suspended on Friday with pay. A brief of evidence is due to be prepared regarding the incidents and the sergeant is expected to be charged on summons.
, except for genuine academic, artistic, religious or scientific purposes such as a theatre performance or history class.
The maximum penalty is 12 months in prison and/or a $23,000 fine.
Individuals in NSW face 12 months in prison and/or an $11,000 fine.
With reporting by the Australian Associated Press
