One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce has criticised plans for students to protest against capitalism and One Nation on Remembrance Day, describing the act as “disgraceful”.
Students are planning to walk out of school and protest in cities across Australia on November 11.
While organisers from the High School Anti-Capitalists have previously said the date is coincidental and the demonstrations will be peaceful, the One Nation MP argued the protests should not take place on Remembrance Day.
“I think it’s disgraceful,” he said on Sunrise.
The “No to Hanson” demonstrations are being organised in solidarity with student protests in France, which began over school conditions before expanding into wider anti-government unrest.
The Australian campaign is protesting against One Nation and the growth of the far right, with organisers encouraging students to join the planned walkouts.
Joyce said November 11 was a day to remember Australians who died serving their country, including more than 60,000 in the First World War.
“It’s not a coincidence … it’s a day that represents those who served in the defence force, especially the First World War,” he said.
“You could pick another one and if you choose not to, what is the reaction that you’re hoping to get?
“You’ll be one of disdain, one of anger and for some people be one of absolute fury. Is that what you want?”
Joyce described the planned demonstrations as “an absolute outrage” and said they should not be allowed to proceed.
Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek also urged organisers to choose another date, saying students should be able to protest without doing so on a day of national commemoration.
“I support people having their say and being able to protest, but do it on a Saturday, and we’ll see how many kids turn up if it’s a Saturday rather than a day of school,” she said.
Plibersek said Remembrance Day and Anzac Day were among Australia’s most solemn occasions, saying: “It’s not a day for protest.”
Veterans’ groups have also criticised the plans and called on students to select another date.
Special Forces veteran Heston Russell previously urged students to show “maturity” and respect for Remembrance Day during an appearance on Sunrise.
“It’s a pretty sad state when our students in those classrooms want to walk out on that day, that day that actually brings people together … to choose to protest something in Australia politically that’s not even linked to what’s going on in France,” he said.
Remembrance Day is observed on November 11 each year, with a minute’s silence observed at 11am to mark the anniversary of the 1918 Armistice that ended fighting in the First World War.
Image: Sunrise
