On Saturday 4 July 2026, women and supporters gathered at rallies across Australia in support of Sall Grover and calls to restore sex-based rights in Australia’s discrimination laws.
Melbourne Rally – Victorian Parliament House
Women gathered on the steps of Parliament House for the Restore Women’s Rights Rally. The event was organised by Victoria Street Action, with Juanita (@Juanita30622990) and Ms Carrigg (@MsCarriggofreal) leading the day.
Police Presence & Counter-Protest
A separate counter-protest under the banner “SMASH TRANSPHOBIA! FIGHT FOR TRANS LIBERATION!” was held nearby. The event was organised by groups including Trans Queer Solidarity and the Trans Action Network, which described the demonstration as part of the “transgender insurgency.”
Victoria Police maintained a substantial presence, including officers in riot gear, and established barriers between the two groups. Police had been on high alert following previous events where clashes occurred between demonstrators and police, including incidents involving thrown objects, pepper spray deployment and injuries to officers.
Throughout the afternoon, police urged onlookers to move away from potential flashpoints and closely monitored the situation. Despite the competing demonstration and tense atmosphere, the women’s rally itself remained peaceful and focused on speeches and advocacy.
Speakers and Moments from the Day
The afternoon was filled with speeches that ranged from heartfelt and personal to passionate and defiant, with many drawing strong reactions from the crowd.
Opening proceedings, the convenor welcomed attendees and spoke about the importance of women continuing to organise, speak publicly and stand together in defence of their rights.
One of the first speakers was Jasmine Sussex, who arrived dressed as a witch and quickly brought laughter and energy to the crowd. Speaking in solidarity with Sall Grover, she jokingly spoke of “casting spells” on those seeking to erase women’s sex-based rights, setting a spirited tone for the afternoon.
Nicole Mowbray from the Lesbian Action Group addressed growing concerns about the loss of lesbian-only spaces and the erosion of freedom of association. Her speech focused on the importance of preserving places where lesbians can gather safely and openly as a distinct community.
The crowd responded enthusiastically when Juanita took to the microphone. Her remarks captured the frustration many attendees feel about the direction of women’s rights in Australia today:
“It’s 2026 and they call it progression. But for women, there’s nothing but regression. Our rights have been removed in law. We only have one right left — the right to vote.”
Kirralie Smith spoke about the personal and financial toll of her ongoing legal battle. She described the consequences she has faced for speaking publicly about women’s sport and sex-based rights. After her speech, many attendees made a point of approaching her to offer support, hugs and words of encouragement.
Janet Inglis delivered what was arguably one of the most celebrated speeches of the day. Speaking with warmth, humour and conviction, she reflected on her love of being a woman and the importance of recognising sex as a material reality.
“I love being a woman so much that if I were a man, I’d want to be a woman too — just like me, a 60-year-old woman who loves being a woman.”
The crowd erupted in applause before she continued:
“Woman is not an identity. A woman is the embodiment of a discrete and diverse class of human beings — the type of human no man can ever be.”
Emma turned the audience’s attention to the issue of gender medicine, questioning the growing influence of politics on scientific research and arguing that science must remain independent if it is to retain public trust.
Victorian Libertarian MP David Limbrick received a warm reception as he spoke in support of sex-based rights and criticised policies that prioritise gender identity over biological sex.
Drew Hutton, environmental activist and co-founder of the Australian Greens, spoke in defence of freedom of expression and the right to debate controversial issues. He closed with a memorable line:
“Everybody’s got a plan until they get a punch in the face. Well, that’s all we’re going to give them … That plan is going to get a punch in the face.”
As the rally drew to a close, attendees lingered to talk, take photos and thank speakers. The atmosphere was one of determination, solidarity and growing confidence, with many remarking on how much larger the gathering was than the previous year’s event.
The day was documented by a range of independent media outlets and citizen journalists, including coverage from Rebel News, organisers and women attending on the ground. Interviews, speeches and footage from the rally were widely shared online, ensuring that those unable to attend could follow the event and hear directly from participants.
For many attendees, the strong turnout and extensive independent media coverage reflected a growing movement of Australians seeking to defend sex-based rights and freedom of expression.
Perth Rally – Forrest Place
While Melbourne saw a large police operation to separate rival demonstrations, the Restore Women’s Rights Rally in Perth had a very different atmosphere. Held at Forrest Place, the gathering was peaceful, relaxed and community-focused, despite receiving little attention from the mainstream media.
The rally was opened by Pip Clayden and organised by local women, including Jody, owner of Topolinis Caffé, and former Western Australian MP Sophia Moermond.
Speakers and Messages
The afternoon combined personal stories, live speeches and recorded messages, all centred on restoring sex-based rights in Australian law.
One of the most moving moments came when Jody shared a deeply personal story about her daughter being confronted by a man in the women’s toilets at her workplace — not once, but twice. Speaking as both a mother and a community member, she emphasised the importance of safeguarding women and girls and preserving single-sex spaces.
Sophia Moermond then read a message from Sall Grover, thanking supporters around Australia and reaffirming the importance of continuing the campaign for legal recognition of biological sex.
Attendees also heard a recorded address from Kirralie Smith, who encouraged supporters to remain engaged despite the personal and legal challenges many campaigners have faced.
Jody Clune, representing the Gerard Rennick People First Party, spoke about the need for political leadership and legislative reform to restore sex-based protections.
Throughout the afternoon, speakers returned to common themes: protecting the privacy and safety of women and girls in toilets and change rooms, ensuring fairness in women’s sport, preserving dignity in aged care, and restoring biological definitions of sex within the Sex Discrimination Act.
Following the speeches, participants marched through the Perth CBD carrying signs and banners. The atmosphere remained calm and positive, with many members of the public responding with smiles, waves, thumbs-up gestures and words of encouragement as the group passed.
Although a separate counter-protest had been announced elsewhere in the city, the march proceeded without confrontation, and police maintained only a light, low-key presence throughout the event.
The Perth rally was covered on the ground by independent journalist Max Freedom Media, who documented the event and spoke with participants about why they had chosen to attend.
A Growing Movement
Although the Melbourne and Perth rallies differed in size and atmosphere, they shared a common purpose: bringing together women and supporters concerned about the future of sex-based rights in Australia.
In Melbourne, a large crowd gathered under the watch of a significant police presence as rival demonstrations unfolded nearby. In Perth, the atmosphere was quieter and more relaxed, with participants able to march through the CBD without disruption. Yet despite these differences, speakers and attendees in both cities returned to many of the same themes — safeguarding women and girls, protecting single-sex spaces, ensuring fairness in women’s sport, and restoring clear sex-based protections in law.
Perhaps most striking was the diversity of voices involved. Mothers, grandmothers, lesbians, politicians, campaigners and first-time attendees all stepped forward to share their experiences and concerns. For many, the rallies were not simply political events but an opportunity to stand alongside others who believe women’s rights deserve recognition and protection.
As participants packed away banners, exchanged hugs and took final photographs, many expressed the view that these gatherings were part of a broader and growing movement. Whether in front of Victorian Parliament or in the heart of Perth, attendees left with a shared determination to continue advocating for sex-based rights and to keep the conversation alive in communities across Australia.
Photo Gallery
This gallery has been compiled from photographs taken by organisers, attendees and independent media present at the Melbourne and Perth rallies. Images were either provided directly to Women Speak Australia or sourced from publicly shared posts on X for the purpose of reporting on and documenting these events. We are grateful to everyone who contributed photographs and helped preserve a record of the day.
MELBOURNE
PERTH
