Political leaders have slammed reports a known neo-Nazi led the booing that disrupted an Indigenous elder's Welcome to Country at an Anzac Day Dawn Service.
Melbourne's Dawn Service was marred by booing from numerous attendees during Bunurong elder Uncle Mark Brown's welcome ceremony.
It was quickly drowned out by others who applauded the recognition of First Nations custodians.
Victoria's Premier Jacinta Allen slammed the "beyond disappointing" conduct.
"I strongly condemn the hateful disruption of this morning's Dawn Service. A neo-Nazi disrupting this day is appalling – it has no place here," she said in a statement.
"To pierce the sombre silence of the Dawn Service is more than disrespect – it dishonours all who have served, fought and fallen.
"And to boo the Aboriginal servicemen and women who served our nation shows ignorance, hatred, and a complete lack of respect – for them, and for everything Anzac Day stands for."
It has been reported by 9 News that the heckling was led by a known neo-Nazi.
Victoria Police have confirmed a 26-year-old Kensington man was being investigated in connection with the incident.
He has since been interviewed by police and was directed to leave the Shrine of Rememberance. No charges have yet been laid.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also condemned the disruption while speaking on Today shortly after attending a Dawn Service in his Dickson electorate.
"Our Diggers fought against the Nazis. That this movement, the neo-Nazis, has any presence in our country at all is just an outrage and a disgrace," he said during an appearance on Today.
"You look at the Nazi ideology, the deaths that it led to, the destruction – not just in Europe but across the world … that it could be glorified by Australians here shows that these people are mentally unwell.
"It should be condemned and police come down heavily on them. It just has no place in our community and our society whatsoever.
Veterans' Affairs Minister Matt Keogh shared a similar sentiment.
"We know now that that booing was led by someone who's a known neo-Nazi," he said.
"And frankly, when we come together to commemorate on Anzac Day, we're commemorating some of those soldiers who fell in a war that was fought against that sort of hateful ideology," Mr Keogh said.
"I've seen the public reporting of at least one of the names of one of the people that was involved in that and that person is known publicly for their engagement as in neo-Nazi activity in Australia."
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles slammed those involved as "idiots" disrupting the way Australians wanted to commemorate the "sacred day".
"The sentiment that was on show here at the Shrine of Remembrance here in Melbourne was very much present," he told Sky News.
"It was a beautiful service and a service befitting of all of those who have worn our nation's uniform, and that is what I want to focus on."
Summer Liu, Jessica Wang and Nathan Schmidt - NCA NewsWire
