The Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan, remains unharmed and resolute following an unexpected confrontation with self-proclaimed neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell, who heckled her at a press conference, labeling her a “coward.” Allan, along with Treasurer Jaclyn Symes and MP Sheena Watt, hastily left Eades Park in West Melbourne after the incident, which prompted Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to condemn the event as “horrific” during a meeting with Labor MPs in Canberra.
Sewell, the leader of the National Socialist Network, was restrained by security and did not present a physical threat but forcefully denounced Allan. Despite the disruption, Allan vowed to continue engaging with the community and spoke out against hate, emphasizing the upcoming anti-hate legislation in Victoria aimed at protecting diverse groups from neo-Nazi targeting.
Allan’s bravery in the face of adversity was underscored by the solidarity she showed with multicultural individuals, the LGBTQIA+ community, First Peoples, and Jews, declaring such groups the central focus of her efforts. While Albanese was appalled by the event, he also noted the presence of individuals in uniform at the anti-immigration rallies, signifying a broader societal issue.
The Premier further suggested that economic uncertainty is contributing to a heightened sense of division that some aim to exploit for ideological purposes. She stressed that unity and social cohesion can be achieved by fostering inclusive societies with respect, rights, and employment for all. The challenge of balancing free speech with public safety continues to be a topic of discussion in the wake of such incidents.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/sep/02/jacinta-allan-not-afraid-neo-nazi-goons-after-press-conference-gatecrashed-ntwnfb
