Independent Cumberland City Councillor Ahmed Ouf called January 26 the start of the ‘Australian Holocaust,’ citing a 90% drop in Indigenous population after British arrival in 1788 due to massacres, genocide, and diseases.
The post prompted outrage from fellow councillors and media, with calls for his removal amid celebrations of national unity and citizenship ceremonies for 18,000 new Australians.
Protests drew 17,000 in Melbourne and crowds in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Canberra, clashing with flag-waving counter-demonstrators, while leaders like Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged unity.
