NSW introduces jail time for displaying terrorist group symbols

The NSW Government will ban the display of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Hizb ut-Tahrir symbols under legislation to be introduced to Parliament today.

The move follows the federal government’s declaration of the IRGC as a state sponsor of terrorism and Hizb ut-Tahrir a hate group.

Under the reforms, the public display of IRGC and Hizb ut-Tahrir symbols without reasonable excuse will be punishable by up to two years’ imprisonment, a $22,000 fine or both, and $110,000 for corporations.

A reasonable excuse includes display for an academic or another public interest purpose.

The reforms will be complemented by new takedown powers to make clear to the NSW community the display of these symbols is unacceptable.

Refusal to comply with a takedown order will be punishable by up to three months’ imprisonment, a $2200 fine or both.

The Minns Government is acting to address the risk posed by all prohibited organisations, ensuring the IRGC and Hizb ut-Tahrir are captured by the NSW offence related to the public display of terrorist organisation symbols.

Attorney General Michael Daley said: “There is no place in NSW for hateful, extremist conduct.

“We are ensuring the public display of these symbols is a criminal offence in NSW and giving police the tools they need to investigate and hold extremists to account.

“This strong, decisive measure will help keep the community safe and bring NSW’s terrorism-related criminal framework into line with the Commonwealth.”

The measures give police additional tools to prevent and investigate the activities of terrorists and keep the community safe.

The legislation is part of the Minns Labor Government’s work to ensure communities feel safe while clamping down on the display of divisive and inflammatory symbols.