Many concerned in neo-Nazi rally at NSW parliament are Aus residents: Tony Burke | USAEMALL.com

Australian citizens made up “many” of those involved in the neo-Nazi rally on steps of NSW parliament, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke says.

Mr Burke was asked on Wednesday whether other protestors involved in the demonstration would also be kicked out of the country, amid the looming deportation of South African national Matthew Gruter.

Mr Gruter is currently being held at Villawood Detention Centre after his visa was cancelled on Monday.

“Most people involved in these organisations in extremism in any direction, most of them are homegrown, sadly,” he told the ABC.

“And so, most people that you’re talking about there are already Australian citizens.”

However, he said the move to cancel Gruter’s visa would “send a message to the rest of Australia about what we find acceptable”.

“One of the things that this particular organisation tries to do is they try to clad their bigotry in patriotism.

“Now, to cancel the visa and say, no, you’re the person who’s going sends a really clear message that you’re not the people being patriotic.

“Like you hate modern Australia. And modern Australia involves people from all around the world who’ve made a home here, who get along with each other and are building a really great country.

Australia’s modern identity is rooted in multiculturalism, Mr Burke added, after emphasising the importance of sending out a “strong national message” in “moments like these”.

“I think there’s a really simple concept here: that when someone’s on a visa, they’re a guest in Australia, and almost every visa holder is a very welcome guest, and they treat Australia with incredible respect.

“But if someone turns up as a guest in your home and they just want to create arguments, abuse people, and wreck the place, then you ask them to leave.”

The rally outside NSW parliament earlier this month involved more than 60 members of the neo-Nazi Nationalist Socialist Network.

The group chanted the Hitler youth slogan “Blood and Honour” and carried a banner stating “Abolish The Jewish Lobby”.

The incident sparked widespread condemnation after it was revealed NSW Police failed to prevent the demonstration, despite being notified of it weeks earlier.

The state government has since cracked down on the evocation of Nazi-related imagery and slogans, announcing on Wednesday that legislation to penalise the act would be introduced to parliament the same day, with people found guilty facing jail time or up to $20,000 in fines.