Perpetrators found guilty of certain offences will now confront the possibility of up to one year in prison or a fine that could reach $11,000. If these acts are committed in proximity to sensitive sites such as a synagogue, Jewish school, or the Sydney Jewish Museum, the consequences are even more severe, with potential penalties escalating to a two-year imprisonment or a fine of $22,000.

The government has underscored the introduction of these stringent laws as part of a broader legislative framework designed to combat racial vilification and hatred effectively. This suite of measures reflects a proactive stance against discrimination and aims to foster a safer environment.

“The Nazi ideology and the growth of white supremacist groups do not merely endanger communal safety and cohesion but are fundamentally subversive to the values and structures of our democracy,” the statement reads.

Police powers and enforcement

Additionally, the amendments will allow police to order anyone displaying a Nazi symbol in public to remove it.

Earlier move-on powers had been successfully challenged by the Palestine Action Group in the NSW Supreme Court.