Minns Calls One Nation Candidate's 'Replacement' Remarks 'Frankly Outrageous and Racist' After Sydney Rally

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns on Monday condemned remarks by Stuart Bonds, One Nation's lead candidate for the state's upper house, describing them as “frankly outrageous and racist.” Bonds told several hundred supporters at an anti-immigration rally in Sydney's central business district on Sunday that Australians faced “demographic replacement” in their own country unless mass migration was brought under control. (Image: file photo of NSW Premier Chris Minns, courtesy of AAP.)

Hundreds rally as Minns responds swiftly

The rally drew several hundred people to the city centre on Sunday, where Australian flags filled the crowd. Bonds told the crowd that Australians faced being replaced unless mass migration was curbed. Minns spoke out swiftly afterwards, and the Australian Human Rights Commission also criticised the remarks. Among those spotted in attendance were Joel Davis, described in reports as a neo-Nazi, and Lyle Shelton, national director of the Family First party.

Bonds likely to be elected at March state election

Bonds sits first on One Nation's New South Wales upper house ticket and, on current polling, is likely to be elected in the state election in March. The row tests how mainstream parties respond to hardline migration rhetoric ahead of the vote.