‘Go home’: Australia kicks out South African neo-Nazi
Sun sets on Australian dream after civil engineer Matthew Gruter had his visa revoked for involvement in an neo-Nazi rally.
South African expat Matthew Gruter, who relocated to Australia in 2022 with his wife, has been ordered to leave the country after his visa was swiftly cancelled by the federal government.
The abrupt visa revocation follows Gruter’s confirmed involvement in a highly provocative anti-Jewish protest earlier this month outside the New South Wales (NSW) parliament.
Gruter was identified standing in the front row of approximately 60 men, all clad in black, during the 8 November demonstration. The rally was orchestrated by the National Socialist Network (NSN), a well-known neo-Nazi group in Australia, where Gruter holds a senior position in the NSW branch.
The demonstration, which was legally authorised but lasted under 20 minutes, saw the group display a large banner reading “Abolish the Jewish lobby”.
Matthew Gruter leads shouting of disturbing slogans
The protesters repeatedly chanted the phrase “blood and honour”, a slogan historically associated with the Hitler Youth.
Online information shows that the South African expat, employed as a civil engineer, had previously posted pictures featuring a silver bracelet engraved with this exact Nazi slogan. Gruter and his wife arrived in Australia on a visa which required sponsorship from a local business to work and remain in the country.
Tough stance by Australia minister
Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke issued a firm response, confirming the deportation proceedings.
“If you are on a visa you are a guest. If you’re a citizen you’re a full member of the Australian family. Like with any household, if a guest turns up to show hatred and wreck the household, they can be told ‘it’s time to go home’,” said Burke.
The event has spurred local political leaders into action, with NSW Premier Chris Minns stating forcefully that “there’s no such thing as a part-time Nazi” and flagging potential changes to hate speech laws as soon as this week.
Gruter’s expulsion highlights Australia’s increasingly uncompromising stance against far-right extremism, following the earlier introduction this year of mandatory prison terms for those performing the Nazi salute.
Meanwhile, when pressed for comment regarding his links to the Hitler Youth slogan, Gruter replied: “Since when is it a crime to love and advocate for your own people?”