“Hands Off Venezuela” rallies have been organised in several Australian cities as tensions escalate following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and the United States’ declaration it will assume control of the country.
Flyers circulated by socialist group Red Spark promote protests in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Perth on Sunday evening, framing the gatherings as opposition to US intervention in Venezuela.
In Sydney, police have moved quickly to shut down expectations of a sanctioned demonstration.
Public assemblies remain tightly controlled following the Bondi terror attack, and NSW Police confirmed no approval had been granted for a protest at Town Hall.
“Any assembly planned in support of Venezuela is not authorised and without this authorisation the event is not legally protected as an authorised assembly,” a police spokesperson said.
“The NSW Police Force will have a large presence throughout the Sydney metropolitan area on January 4, 2026, and will be present at Town Hall during the afternoon and evening to monitor and police this potential assembly.
“Anyone planning to attend any unauthorised events is urged to reconsider.”
The planned rallies come as the Australian government sharpens its warning to citizens about the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Venezuela, where US forces have seized control following military strikes and the arrest of President Maduro.
Smartraveller has reiterated its strongest possible advice, urging Australians not to travel to the South American nation and warning those already there to consider leaving if it is safe.
“A state of emergency is currently in place due to military strikes at multiple locations in Venezuela, including military facilities in Caracas and the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira,” the advisory said.
The warning said conditions on the ground were unpredictable and could worsen with little notice, cautioning travellers to prepare to shelter in place if required.
“We continue to advise do not travel to Venezuela. If you’re in Venezuela despite our advice, you should consider leaving, if safe to do so," Smartraveller said.
“There may be flight disruptions and airspace could close at short notice. Contact your travel provider or airline for information on travel disruptions.”
Australians in Venezuela have also been told to ensure they have enough food, water and medicine, and to keep passports and identity documents readily available.
The federal government has stressed its ability to assist citizens in the country is severely limited, as Australia does not maintain an embassy or consulate there.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government was closely monitoring events as international fallout continues to build.
“The Australian government is monitoring developments in Venezuela,” Mr Albanese said.
“We urge all parties to support dialogue and diplomacy in order to secure regional stability and prevent escalation.
“Australia has long held concerns about the situation in Venezuela, including the need to respect democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms.
“We continue to support international law and a peaceful, democratic transition in Venezuela that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people.”
The unrest follows dramatic announcements from US President Donald Trump, who confirmed US forces had arrested President Maduro and declared Washington would assume control of the country for the “foreseeable future”.
“We're going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” President Trump said at Mar-a-Lago.
“We can't take a chance that someone else takes over Venezuela who doesn't have the interests of Venezuelans in mind.”
President Trump said the intervention would be funded through Venezuela’s oil wealth, insisting the occupation “won’t cost us a penny”, and did not rule out deploying ground troops if required.
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