By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Recent investigations have revealed connections between Australian Neo-Nazi groups and overseas organizations, including discussions on emulating their structures and activities. These groups, like the National Socialist Network (NSN), have been emboldened, participating in anti-immigration rallies and engaging in violence. The NSN, inspired by banned groups and rooted in the Iron March forum, aims to position itself as a political movement, using propaganda tactics for recruitment and notoriety. Despite the focus on legal activities, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) expects these groups to expand and test legal boundaries, with the most significant threat of violence coming from individuals on the periphery of these organized groups.
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Leaked records trace path from overseas Neo-Nazi groups to Australia’s emboldened far-right, painting a picture of a disturbing trend.
The reality is that there’s a clear link between overseas Neo-Nazi groups and the far-right in Australia. The fact is that these groups are increasingly echoing each other, using the same language and sharing similar ideologies. They often operate as if the US, UK, and Australia are all part of the same ideological territory, which is, frankly, a dangerous oversimplification.
We are seeing how these fringe groups are getting help from the US. This international connection cannot be ignored. It seems some of these groups are leveraging the reach and influence of media outlets that have historically pushed their agenda. The way some media sources subtly promote these ideas and encourage resentment, particularly during events like the COVID-19 pandemic, is concerning. This is, without question, concerning because some of them are foreign born.
The focus from the government can appear to be about shutting down debate about immigration rather than addressing the underlying issues that are fueling it. It’s almost as if the government is more concerned with controlling the narrative than actually solving the problems at hand. It’s been a tough slog to try and keep up with the rapid changes and it’s obvious how it can be misconstrued.
The situation is that people are concerned about the current rates of immigration. This is a valid point of contention, and it’s easy to see how a failure to properly address the needs of the population, such as infrastructure and services, can lead to frustration. These concerns are often dismissed or outright shut down by accusations of racism, which only serves to silence legitimate debate. It is difficult to have any conversation about it without the conversation going sour.
We have to be realistic about this. The far-right is not a monolithic entity. Its members hold various views on different topics. It’s important not to paint everyone with the same brush and to understand that people can protest for specific causes without necessarily endorsing all the views held by those around them.
There’s a real problem when those wanting to be labelled as neo-Nazis are unfairly labelled as neo-Nazis. It would be wrong to allow other countries to interfere in our democracy and undermine our values. It goes without saying that these groups actively spread propaganda and receive funding from sources outside of the country.
It’s important to remember that the terms “left” and “right” can be confusing, and what those terms mean to people and the parties that are represented by them. The main thing is to be wary of any group that uses a name that doesn’t reflect the reality of their actions.
The current reality, is the increasing global influence of the far-right, and how they use the same language, the same values to appeal to the same people. The fact is that these groups are increasingly echoing each other, using the same language and sharing similar ideologies. The issues surrounding immigration are becoming a flashpoint, with ordinary people expressing concern over the speed and scale of these changes. This concern has allowed far-right groups to latch onto and manipulate a debate to their advantage.
It’s not a surprise that those who are actively engaged in spreading propaganda and receiving funding from foreign sources, are helping contribute to a narrative that is spreading across multiple platforms.