Thousands attend Australia anti-immigration rallies

March for Australia rallies were condemned by the centre-left government as "spreading hate".

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March for Australia rallies took place in Sydney, Melbourne and other major cities - with several clashes taking place as marchers were met with counter-demonstrations.

A number of opposition politicians joined the marches, including One Nation senator Pauline Hanson and federal MP Bob Katter.

Australia has faced a recent rise in right-wing extremism and made the Nazi salute punishable by a mandatory prison term earlier this year.

Up to 8,000 people assembled for the Sydney rally, according to broadcaster ABC. Police said hundreds of officers were deployed across the city but saw "no significant incidents".