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Premier Minns has made it clear that New South Wales will not tolerate any slogans or symbols that incite hatred, promote violence, or intimidate communities.
“These laws are a firm declaration that hateful conduct will not be accepted,” he stated.
The chant “globalise the intifada” is among those set to be prohibited, with Minns asserting that “it encourages violence in our community.”
“The situation has shifted since Sunday. We are no longer living in that world. This is the reality, and everything must be scrutinized,” he remarked.
In addition, the Premier has called for a Royal Commission, emphasizing that the full details of Sunday’s mass shooting have yet to be revealed.
“Right now, we’ve got bits and pieces of the jigsaw puzzle here, but we don’t have the full picture,” he said.
“Until we’ve got a full and accurate picture of exactly how this happened, with a plan to ensure that it doesn’t happen again, then I don’t have answers to the people of New South Wales about what happened on Sunday.”
Attorney General Michael Daley will consult the Legislative Assembly Committee on Law and Safety to potentially include any additional statements in the state’s new hate speech laws.
“We must tackle this scourge in all its forms, including inflammatory and divisive symbols and slogans which cause real fear to vulnerable communities,” he said.
“This Government is determined to do whatever is necessary to ensure community safety and cohesion after the horrific events at Bondi.”
The laws will be introduced when parliament returns in the new year.
Additionally, new legislation is set to be rolled out on Monday, making it an offence under NSW law to publicly display terrorist symbols such as ISIS or Hamas flags without a plausible reason.
Reasonable excuses include an academic purpose or another purpose within the public interest.
The maximum penalty for the offence carries a two-year prison sentence or a $22,000 fine, and up to $110,000 for organisations.
Police will also be given greater powers to remove the face coverings of people at public assemblies.
“Police need to be in a position where if they suspect a crime is being committed, they can launch effective action,” Minns said.
“We’ve seen in the past that hateful, racist speech has been set in our community.
“It’s a difficult job for the police, and we need to make sure they’ve got the tools to take that action.”