The New South Wales government is set to introduce legislation aimed at prohibiting Nazi chants and slogans, with violators facing potential imprisonment and substantial fines.
This legislative initiative follows widespread public dismay after a demonstration by a significant number of neo-Nazis outside the state parliament earlier this month.
Approximately 60 individuals from the National Socialist Network participated, chanting extremist slogans and displaying a conspicuous sign stating, “abolish the Jewish lobby.”
Attorney-General Michael Daley emphasized that such actions are unwelcome in the NSW community.
“The reprehensible display we witnessed outside NSW Parliament is unacceptable in our society,” he stated.
“No one should endure such abhorrent hatred due to their heritage or religious beliefs.”
âWe are giving police and the courts additional powers to hold Nazi extremists to account for their abhorrent views.”
Under the new laws, anyone found guilty of expressing support for Nazi ideology by invoking chants, slogans or imagery could face a year in prison or up to a $20,000 fine.
Tougher penalties â with a maximum penalty of two yearsâ imprisonment or a $22,000 fine – will apply to an offender who commits this offence near a synagogue, Jewish school or the Sydney Jewish Museum.
The Crimes and Summary Offences Amendment Bill 2025 will also introduce new powers allowing police to order a perpetrator take down a suspected Nazi symbol.
Refusing to follow this direction without reasonable excuse will become an offence punishable by a maximum fine of $2200 or up to three monthsâ imprisonment.
