Network Ten reporter Rebeka Powell was shoved to the ground by police during chaotic scenes at an anti-immigration rally in Melbourne.
Video taken by Ms Powell showed police in headgear standing between protesters and counter protesters at a March for Australia rally that led to several arrests in the CBD on Sunday.
As officers shouted “move”, and “get back”, the reporter found herself sandwiched between the protesters and a line of police.
Ms Powell, who attended the event with a photographer and a security guard, could then be seen running down the street alongside police in the chaos.
She later filmed protesters being arrested on the pavement while an officer yelled “get back”, appearing to shove the journalist to the ground.
Sharing the footage online, Ms Powell pointed out that she was a “5’1 mainstream media journo”.
“I’m fine guys,” she added.
“All part of the job, too close at the wrong time it appears.
“The main lesson is I really didn’t need to do pilates before work this morning.”
Commentators were supportive, with one Aussie writing, “Thanks for your reporting Rebecca and I’m glad you’re okay. You are very fit and brave”.
“Average day in Melbourne,” another quipped.
Right-wing influencer Hugo Lennon, who is known as Auspill online, reportedly led the Melbourne rally to chants of “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie”.
The group booed when One Nation leader Pauline Hanson’s name was mentioned; Mr Lennon explained said she had declined an invitation to take part.
Later, attendees could be heard chanting “Pauline, Pauline, where the f*** is Pauline?” as they marched through the central city.
The vast majority of protesters and counter-protesters were peaceful but three people were arrested for allegedly assaulting and resisting officers, police told AAP.
Two others were processed by police for offensive behaviour and were expected to be charged on summons.
Marches also took place in Brisbane and Sydney, where NSW MP Mark Latham called for an end to “all the Chris Minns hate speech laws”.
PM vows, ‘we must defeat them’
The rallies unfolded as Anthony Albanese told Labor delegates in Queensland that “we owe it to history” to defeat right-wing populist parties like One Nation.
“Across the world, hard-right populists are on the march,” Mr Albanese said in Brisbane.
“Peddling politics that is dangerous, divisive, and downright dishonest. We simply must defeat them. We owe it to history.”
Senator Hanson returned fire over the Prime Minister’s claim that One Nation was “dangerous,” accusing him of inciting political violence.
A day earlier, One Nation had won the Secret Harbour seat from Labor in Western Australia, reinforcing its growing threat to the Australian political landscape.
The March for Australia protests began late last year, promoted online as peaceful gatherings for average Australians opposed to high immigration rates.
But critics say that neo-Nazi and white nationalist groups often organise or participate in the events, which result in clashes with counter protesters and police.
Read related topics:ImmigrationMelbourne