Thousands protest Australia refugee plan

Thousands of people gather at the Sydney Stands for Sanctuary rally at Town Hall Square in Sydney on Monday (AAP)
Thousands of people gather at the Sydney Stands for Sanctuary rally at Town Hall Square in Sydney on Monday (AAP)

Thousands have rallied in Australia against the federal government's plan to return refugees to Nauru.

Together they chanted "let them stay", their cause backed by state premiers and politicians.

The words echoed across the country. Thousands of Australians, in small towns and big cities, protested the government's plan to send asylum seekers back to Nauru.

Sydney's Lord Mayor took firm aim at the major political parties.

"Both the federal government and the Opposition have failed us over many years, seeking safe asylum," said Clover Moore. "Let them stay, let them stay!"

The protesters are talking about 267 asylum seekers, including 91 children, who are in Australia for medical treatment.

They are set to return to Nauru indefinitely, after the High Court ruled that Australia's offshore processing was constitutional.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has written a letter to the Prime Minister saying his state will take the asylum seekers.

"Whilst the issue of asylum seekers is a wicked problem, let's not settle on a wicked solution," said Andrews. "I think we can do something special here and Victoria is standing ready to do our part."

More protests are planned for Friday.

Newshub.