The neo-Nazi organisation White Australia has failed in its attempt to secure a temporary injunction against anti-hate laws, which it claims will lead to its 'extinction'. The High Court dismissed the group's bid to block its designation as a prohibited hate group.
Chief Justice Stephen Gageler rejected the injunction on Thursday, following arguments from White Australia's lawyer, Peter King, that the listing would permanently shut down the organisation. 'Unless restrained, there will be an extinction of the organisation,' King told the court.
The group is also challenging the broader constitutionality of anti-hate speech laws enacted after the Bondi Beach mass shooting. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke designated White Australia a prohibited hate group in May, based on advice from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).
Burke noted that White Australia's predecessor, the National Socialist Network, had announced its disbandment when the hate laws were introduced, but in reality had 'phoenixed' by changing its name and continuing operations with largely the same members. Under the declaration, it is a crime to support, fund, or join the group.
