The government of New South Wales (NSW) is taking a decisive stand against far-right extremism, introducing new laws that will see individuals who chant Nazi slogans face potential imprisonment.
Legislation Triggered by Public Neo-Nazi Demonstration
This legislative push comes as a direct response to a shocking incident on November 8, where approximately 60 black-clad neo-Nazis gathered at the state parliament. The group was heard yelling chants associated with the Hitler Youth, a brazen public display of hate that prompted immediate government action. The new bill is set to be formally introduced on Wednesday.
While the display of Nazi symbols is already outlawed in many areas, this new bill significantly broadens the scope of the ban. It will now criminalise behaviour that demonstrates support for Nazi ideology through specific imagery or characteristics linked to the regime.
Stiff Penalties and New Police Powers
Under the proposed laws, anyone caught repeating Nazi chants will face severe consequences. The punishment includes up to a year in prison or a maximum fine of $11,000. These penalties are set to be doubled for offences committed near sensitive locations such as a synagogue, a Jewish school, or the Sydney Jewish Museum.
NSW Attorney-General Michael Daley condemned the earlier protest, stating, "The deplorable stunt we saw outside NSW parliament has no place in our society. Nobody should be subject to this vile hatred because of their background or faith." He emphasised that the legislation is designed to give police and the courts additional powers to hold Nazi extremists accountable for their abhorrent views.
Police will also be empowered to order perpetrators to remove suspected Nazi symbols displayed publicly. Refusal to comply could result in a $2200 fine or three months in prison.
Unmasking Extremists and Broader Actions
In a move to make it harder for extremists to operate anonymously, police will gain the authority to order individuals to reveal their identity if it assists an investigation into a Nazi-related offence. This directly targets the tactic often used by neo-Nazis of wearing face coverings and sunglasses in public.
This announcement follows another controversial bill introduced by the NSW government just a day prior, which seeks to stop protests near synagogues. Furthermore, at a federal level, action has been taken against a participant of the November 8 rally. The visa of South African neo-Nazi Matthew Gruter was revoked, leading to his detention on Tuesday ahead of imminent deportation, as confirmed by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.
While the coalition and One Nation have supported the government's actions, United Australia Party senator Ralph Babet defended Gruter's right to free speech, warning that such powers could eventually be used against others for their views.
