The alleged leader of an Australian neo-Nazi group has fronted court in a combative mood, hitting out at the police, journalists, the court system and what he called “political persecution”.

The vandalism unfolded in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra. Australia Day is a divisive holiday that critics see as a symbol of racism and oppression.

Australia Day is being celebrated all over the country this Sunday. In Sydney, traditional ceremonies took place at dawn in various locations including Bondi beach and Barangaroo.

Tens of thousands of Australians protested over the treatment of Indigenous people on Sunday as the country celebrated a national holiday marking the 1788 arrival of British colonisers.

Two historic statues were damaged in Melbourne ahead of Australia Day celebrations on Sunday, with tens of thousands of people across the country joining protests in support of Aboriginal groups who say the date is not one to cheer.

Thousands of people protested Australia’s national day with ‘Invasion Day’ rallies in support of Indigenous Australians.