The Australian government has officially banned the neo-Nazi group known as the National Socialist Network, also operating under the name White Australia, designating it as a prohibited hate organisation. This action falls under new legislation enacted following the tragic Bondi terror attacks. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced that the listing takes effect at midnight on Friday, warning that anyone participating in rallies associated with the group or connected to its members would be taking a significant legal risk.
Criminal Offences and Penalties
Under the new listing, activities such as supporting, funding, training, recruiting, or joining the group now constitute criminal offences punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Burke emphasised that while the law cannot eradicate bigoted ideologies, it effectively prevents the group from organising and meeting, thereby curbing the potential for hateful rallies across the country. He stated, "It sends a clear message to people who believe in racial supremacy that their views have no place in Australia."
Group's Attempt to Evade Legislation
The National Socialist Network had previously claimed it would disband just hours before the legislation was introduced during a special parliamentary session in January. However, Burke accused the group of having "phoenixed," meaning its members continued their activities under a new guise. The minister noted that the neo-Nazis have targeted various communities, including Jewish, Muslim, Asian, and First Nations people, consistent with their white supremacist ideology. He confirmed that under Australian law, they are now a banned group.
Second Group Listed Under New Laws
This marks the second group to be listed under the hate laws, following the Islamist organisation Hizb ut-Tahrir. Both listings were made on the advice of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). Coalition home affairs spokesperson Jonathon Duniam welcomed the move, asserting that the public does not want to see individuals evade justice simply by changing names. He stressed that the listing sends a clear message that organisations undermining society and spreading extremist ideologies have no place in Australia.
Background of the Legislation
The antisemitism laws, which include the new listing regime, were passed alongside stronger penalties for hate crimes and a gun buyback scheme in response to the Bondi terror attack on 14 December 2025. The government specifically highlighted Hizb ut-Tahrir and the National Socialist Network as examples justifying the need for these laws. Burke and ASIO head Mike Burgess had previously described these groups as operating in a "lawful but awful" manner, skirting the higher threshold required for designation as terrorist organisations.
ASIO Recommendation and Future Listings
Burke revealed that ASIO recommended in April that the government consider listing White Australia, confirming that it met the legal threshold. The legislation allows the government to use regulations to capture groups that have phoenixed without needing to list them separately. The principle for applying the regulation will be based on whether the group is judged to be a continuation of the original organisation. Burke added that no other organisations are currently under consideration for listing by ASIO.
Community Reactions
Peter Wertheim, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, welcomed the listing, noting that his organisation had been calling for such a measure since 2021. He stated, "It doesn't matter what they call themselves, or how they structure themselves, these groups use all the well-known techniques of thuggery and menace that Nazis have always used against Jewish communities and other groups they have targeted."
