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The rallies were spurred by a wave of violence against women
that the government says has seen a woman killed every four days
this year. The rallies also followed a mass stabbing in Sydney
this month that killed six people, including five women.
Protesters demanding stronger criminal laws gathered in Sydney,
capital of New South Wales state, for a rally and then a march
that closed city streets. Some protesters carried signs that
read "Respect" and "No More Violence".
In South Australia's capital Adelaide, it was estimated around
3,000 people rallied at the city's parliament building.
Prime Minister Albanese said he would be part of a rally in the
national capital Canberra on Sunday.
"I will walk with women across Australia to say enough is
enough," Albanese said on social media platform X.
"Violence against women is an epidemic. We must do better."
In Adelaide, Greens Party Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said "a
national emergency response" was needed to tackle the issue.
"Women are sick and tired of being told 'yes it's bad but
there's not much we can do,'" Hanson-Young said, according to a
spokesperson.
Similar protests were scheduled across the weekend in state
capitals Perth, Western Australia; Melbourne, Victoria; Hobart,
Tasmania; and Brisbane, Queensland.
Gender-based violence is an ongoing issue in Australia, a nation
of 26 million. In 2021, tens of thousands rallied over
allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct in some of the
nation's highest political offices.
(Reporting by Sam McKeith in Sydney; Editing by Tom Hogue)
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