Anthony Albanese didn’t mince words when addressing the “low act of cowardice” of those who booed the Welcome to Country at a Dawn Service.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has unleashed on those who booed the Welcome to Country at Dawn Services in Melbourne and Perth this morning, saying they “must face the full force of the law”.

Neo-Nazis who attended the Shrine of Remembrance in the Melbourne CBD led the interruption at the traditional Anzac Day service when Bunurong elder Mark Brown began his Welcome to Country. Their booing was drowned out by the rest of the crowd who cheered in protest against their disruption. A similar heckling incident also occurred during a service at Perth’s Kings Park.

“There is no place in Australia for what occurred,” Mr Albanese told reporters in Canberra, labelling the behaviour “a disgrace”.

“The disruption of Anzac Day is beyond contempt, and the people responsible must face the full force of the law. This was an act of low cowardice on a day when we honour courage and sacrifice.

“Anzac Day is when we come together to remember all those who have served our country in war and the cause of peace, including those who continue to serve our nation today.”

The Prime Minister’s denouncement of the conduct follows that of other politicians and media figures, including Sunrise host Natalie Barr, who said the disruption was “disgusting”.

On Friday morning’s broadcast, which featured an interview with a woman who was present at the ceremony, Barr was clearly unimpressed.

“I thought it was horrific to have those people here booing, I thought that was absolute disrespect,” the guest said.

Barr then said she agreed with the woman’s summary: “Yeah, exactly. We do not care what you are sick of. Today is not the day to share it.”