Jeff Kennett has slammed protesters who marred peaceful Australia Day celebrations by saying they hoped Australia would “burn to the ground” in an ugly “Invasion Day” rally in Melbourne.

The former premier was among a host of prominent Victorians who criticised rally organisers, warning they were doing their cause no good.

“Everyone has a got a right to have a different view and to hold peaceful protest,” he said.

“But those who use inappropriate language against the country they choose to live in use language like that because they don’t have the intellectual capacity to argue their case.

Camera Icon Supporters of the Invasion Day protest march along Bourke Street. Credit: AAPIMAGE

“If they don’t like it, if they think the country is as bad so many of their banners indicate, they have the opportunity to buy a one-way plane ticket. But they don’t, because they know this is the best country.”

Invasion Day organisers refused to back down from a profanity-laced call-to-arms on Friday where speakers labelled onlookers “racist f---rs” and threatened to burn Australia to the ground.

In what could have been an opportunity to raise awareness about welfare issues in indigenous communities, including domestic abuse, alcoholism and murders, speakers resorted to abusive rants as thousands cheered.

“F--- Australia, hope it f-----g burns to the ground,” Invasion Day organiser Tarneen Onus-Williams said. “If you celebrate Australia Day, f---er, you’re celebrating the death of my ancestors.

Camera Icon Supporters of the Invasion Day protest march along Bourke street, Melbourne. Credit: AAPIMAGE

Camera Icon Supporters of the Invasion Day protest march along Bourke street, Melbourne. Credit: AAPIMAGE

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy was among the critics who condemned the comments, saying political parties opposing Australia Day were “out of touch”.

“These comments are a disgrace,” he said.

Government spokesman Kosta Pandos said: “One of the great things about our country is the right to protest peacefully, but those types of comments are not on. We recognise this day means different things for different people but in Victoria we respect the Traditional Owners of our land, and we get on and celebrate being Victorian and Australian.”

AFL legend David Parkin was an Australia Day ambassador for more than 15 years but decided to step back this year because “it does offend people I don’t wish to offend”.

Ms Onus-Williams, who also serves on the state government’s Aboriginal Interim Treaty Working Group, made no apologies for trying to crash the party.

“People who celebrate Australia Day are celebrating the genocide of Aboriginal people, waving Australian flags in our faces. It’s disgusting,” she said.

“Yes, some people use that language but it’s nothing compared to the way Aboriginal people have been treated.

“People will try and attack us or worry about the language but I feel like Aboriginal people dying in custody is much worse.”