PERTH — Western Australian police removed 15 people identified as members of issue motivated groups from Anzac Day commemorations on April 25, with 14 removed in Perth and one in regional Western Australia. No arrests were made in connection with the removals, according to a statement from the force.

Police said they attended the services to protect the dignity of the commemorations, maintain public safety, and ensure the community could pay their respects without disruption. The statement said that as a result of police intervention, the group was removed without incident and the dawn service proceeded uninterrupted. Police said the actions reflected the behaviour of a small minority and did not represent the values of the majority of people who attended Anzac Day services respectfully across Western Australia.

Footage posted online showed officers in Perth approaching five people and blocking them from attending the dawn service due to their association with the March for Australia group, which has since been renamed Fight for Australia. An officer was recorded telling those being removed: "Due to your association with the March for Australia group and their actions in the eastern states, you are being removed from the ceremony due to the belief you will interrupt it. If you fail to leave you will be arrested and you will be taken to Perth watch house. Your association to that group has unfortunately ruined your opportunity to remain at the ceremony today."

Ahead of Anzac Day, Fight for Australia encouraged supporters to contact Returned and Services League branches and ask that welcome to country not be included in ceremonies. Booing occurred during the dawn service in Perth. First Nations leaders, RSL officials and state premiers condemned the booing at Anzac Day ceremonies.

Indigenous academic Marcia Langton condemned the disruptions. "The 'morons' who disrupted Saturday's speeches should be named, photographed and banned from all future Anzac Day services," she said.

Federal opposition leader Angus Taylor said: "Booing was absolutely inappropriate and un-Australian." Taylor added, "I can understand the frustration Australians feel about over-use of welcomes to country."