Victorian Premier Rejects ‘Divisive Politics’ in Response to Rally Against Mass Migration

The premier also spoke of the opening of the new Metro Tunnel.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan speaks during the Hawthorn Hawks Kennedy Community Centre Opening in Melbourne, Australia on Nov. 17, 2025. Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has rejected “divisive politics” after One Nation leader Pauline Hanson headlined a “Put Australia First” rally against mass migration in Melbourne’s CBD.

The alternative rally against migration, different from the March from Australia, attracted an estimated 700 people who marched from Flinders Street to Flagstaff Gardens.

A counter-protest was also held with police monitoring both events.

Allan said accused some politicians of trying to “stoke fear and division” for political purposes.

In response to Hanson’s statement that she “wouldn’t move to Victoria,” Premier Allan told ABC Radio on Dec. 1, “Good. That sort of division is not welcome here. That sort of divisive politics has been rejected by the Victorian community.”

“I understand that people are concerned, we have seen too much division in recent years. Division that has been caused by concern about conflict overseas that has brought too much division to our streets in Melbourne.”

During the rally, Hanson said she would run candidates at the next state election and criticised current immigration levels.

“I’m not from Victoria and, to tell you the truth, I wouldn’t move to Victoria. I’ll stay in Queensland, thank you very much,” Hanson said at the rally.

New Metro Tunnel Opens Attracting 70,000 People

Allan was doing the media rounds after Victoria opened the new metro tunnel on Nov. 30, attracting a crowd of 70,000 people.

The Melbourne Metro Tunnel is a major rail infrastructure project consisting of twin rail tunnels and five new underground stations.

“It was such an important day yesterday in opening the Metro Tunnel because of what it means for our future,” Allan said on Dec. 1. “We should be really really proud as a state of what has been achieved.”

Amid Allan’s opening of the new metro tunnel, new Liberal leader Jess Wilson has released her shadow cabinet and plan for Victoria.

As part of the new cabinet, Wilson will remain shadow treasurer and former leader Brad Battin will take on the police and corrections portfolio.

Conservative-leaning MP Moira Deeming, who previously sued former leader John Pesutto, retains her shadow assistant minister for local government role.

Wilson said she was proud to lead a team that represented all walks of life.

“With 12 months until the next election, my team is fully focused on the task ahead and will work every day to present a credible and optimistic alternative that Victorians want to vote for,” Wilson said.