Neo-Nazi group White Australia has lost its bid for temporary immunity from anti-hate laws passed after the Bondi terror attack, with the High Court dismissing the organisation’s injunction attempt.
The group, which sought to register as a political party, had asked the High Court to block its designation as a prohibited hate group. Chief Justice Stephen Gageler dismissed the bid on Thursday.
White Australia is also challenging the broader constitutionality of the anti-hate speech laws enacted after the Bondi Beach mass shooting. The group’s lawyer, Peter King, argued that the listing would lead to the organisation’s “extinction”.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke declared White Australia a prohibited hate group in May following advice from spy agency ASIO. Burke noted that the group had “phoenixed” from its predecessor, the National Socialist Network, which disbanded when the hate laws were introduced but continued operations under a new name with largely the same members.
Under the government's declaration, it is a crime to support, fund or join the group.
