In 1996 Australia witnessed an upsurge in reaction to Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Party and her ‘racist policies’. This rally, which took place at the Treasury Gardens in Melbourne, shows a diverse section of the Victorian community who repudiated Hanson’s policies. The photographs in this collection, a selection of which are shown here, illustrate the diversity in age and nationality of the people who make up Melbourne’s cultural identity.

It is relevant to remember that it was only in 1967 that aboriginal people were given the vote, and our racially restrictive immigration laws were reviewed and liberalised. Although over the past twenty years we have seen an increase in the level of tolerance in our community’s attitudes, the sentiments expressed at this rally still ring true today.

 

‘No To Racism’