European Australian Movement
 EAM flag | |
| Abbreviation | EAM |
|---|---|
| Defunct | 18 January 2026 |
| Type | Neo-Nazi extremist organization |
| Purpose | |
| Location | |
Leader | Thomas Sewell |
| Affiliations | National Socialist Network |
| Part of a series on |
| Neo-Nazism |
|---|
 |
| Part of a series on |
| Far-right politics in Australia |
|---|
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The European Australian Movement (EAM) was an Australian neo-Nazi political organisation.[1] The group was known for engaging in controversial public stunts.[2] EAM was founded by Thomas Sewell, Australian neo-Nazi and leader of another group, National Socialist Network (NSN), that was linked with the EAM.[3]
EAM claimed that they are creating a network of "White Australians across every city, suburb and town who are against the systematic replacement and destruction of White Australians".[3] EAM actively promote themselves as being a men's health club and have been sighted boxing, lifting weights and exercising in public.[4][5]
In 2026, as a response to proposed hate speech laws in Australia, the organisation announced on Telegram that it would disband before the 18th of January, along with its "co-projects", the National Socialist Network (NSN) and White Australia.[6]
Activities
[edit]In May 2021, Thomas Sewell and a group of 10-15 other masked men, who were members of the EAM and NSN, attacked hikers in Victoria's Cathedral Range.[7][8][9] On 14 May 2021, Sewell was charged after a raid by counter-terrorism police at a house in the Melbourne suburb of Rowville.[7][10] Sewell was charged with "armed robbery, robbery, theft, criminal damage, affray with face covering, affray, assault with a weapon, violent disorder, common law assault and committing an indictable offence whilst on bail".[7][10] On 1 August 2023, Sewell pleaded guilty to one charge of violent disorder.[10]
In May 2022, South Australia Police acknowledged that they were investigating EAM.[11] The police statement came after EAM members distributed letters in Adelaide which included the phrase "blood and honour", a slogan which comes from the Nazi regime.[2][11] Police stated that while it was "the right of individuals to have different beliefs in a democratic country", that they were concerned about groups "inciting people to commit violence".[11]
In March 2024, members of EAM distributed letters in Wagga Wagga, a regional city in New South Wales.[12] The letters claimed that those who joined EAM were fighting against the "systematic replacement and destruction of white Australians".[12] After being contacted by constituents, politicians Michael McCormack and Joe McGirr expressed disgust, with McGirr referring the matter to police.[12] McGirr stated that "images on the letter are reminiscent of Nazi symbols, the use of which is a criminal offence punishable by up to 12 months in jail and/or an $11,000 fine".[12]
Views
[edit]The European Australian Movement has a stated aim of building "a physical and politicised white Australian community" that seeks to preserve a white Australia.[4][12] They believe Australia should remain a country inhabited by white Australians of European descent and have planned buying properties to set up communities of white Australians.[1]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- 1 2 McKenzie, Nick (3 August 2022). "Inside Australia's 'terrorgram': How neo-Nazism spreads in our cities". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 23 July 2024. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
- 1 2 "GPAHE report: Far-Right Hate and Extremist Groups in Australia". Global Project Against Hate and Extremism. Archived from the original on 5 April 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
- 1 2 Roe, Chris (26 March 2024). "Neo-Nazi letterbox drop in Wagga calls for 'white Australian' recruits". Region Riverina. Archived from the original on 26 March 2024. Retrieved 6 March 2025.
- 1 2 Dillon, Meagan (30 August 2022). "Accused far-right extremist who uses Nazi salute asks Adelaide court for home detention bail". ABC News. Archived from the original on 24 January 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
- ↑ Jackson, Blair (17 February 2025). "Neo-Nazis get blood pumping with group fitness in Melbourne park". News.com.au. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
- ↑ Baker, Emily (13 January 2026). "Neo-Nazi group National Socialist Network says it will disband due to proposed hate speech laws". ABC News. Archived from the original on 13 January 2026. Retrieved 13 January 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Australian neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell charged over alleged armed robbery". ABC News. 14 May 2021. Archived from the original on 14 May 2021. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
- ↑ Sweeney, Karen (27 October 2023). "Neo-Nazi leaders spared further jail time over hiker attack". Nine News. Archived from the original on 27 October 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
- ↑ "Neo-Nazi leader sentenced to time served over attack on hikers in Victorian state park". The Guardian. Australian Associated Press. 27 October 2023. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 27 October 2023. Retrieved 4 June 2025.
- 1 2 3 Pearson, Erin (1 August 2023). "Neo-Nazi leader pleads guilty to attack on hikers". The Age. Archived from the original on 2 August 2023. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
- 1 2 3 Keane, Daniel (13 May 2022). "SA Police investigating racist flyers dispersed by right-wing groups". ABC News. Retrieved 14 June 2025.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Huntly, Daisy; Dodge, Taylor (27 March 2024). "'Filth': Racist letters dropped in Riverina mailboxes a 'dangerous' move". The Border Mail. Archived from the original on 9 June 2025. Retrieved 10 June 2025.
