NSW Premier strengthens hate speech laws to combat antisemitic attacks
"These are strong new laws, and they need to be because these attacks have to stop."
NSW Premier Chris Minns has announced a series of reforms to combat spiralling antisemitic attacks targeting Sydney’s Jewish community, including a new criminal offence for intentionally inciting racial hatred.
Displaying Nazi symbols on or near synagogues will be a criminal offence, with a proposed maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment.
The package of reforms will help give police and the community additional powers and resources to respond to acts of racial violence and hatred.
“We have seen disgusting acts of racial hatred and antisemitism,” said Minns.
“These are strong new laws, and they need to be because these attacks have to stop. NSW is a multicultural state, and these acts designed to intimidate and divide will not work.
“These laws have been drafted in response to the horrifying antisemitic violence in our community but it’s important to note that they will apply to anyone, preying on any person, of any religion.
“If you commit these acts, you will face severe penalties, and we make no apologies for that.”
A new offence will be introduced to stop people in or near a place of worship from intentionally blocking access to the place of worship without reasonable excuse, or from harassing, intimidating or threatening people accessing places of worship, and provide police with associated move on powers. This new offence is proposed to have a maximum penalty of 2 years’ imprisonment.
“Blocking access to places of worship, graffitiing sacred sites, or inciting hatred are wholly unacceptable behaviours that have no place in our society. These proposed changes strengthen penalties and expand police powers to maintain order across the community,” said Attorney General Michael Daley.
“The Minns Government is expanding the criminal law to send a clear message that inciting hatred is not just unacceptable, it will soon be criminal.
“The entire community will be safer as a direct result of these changes. The proposed changes will mean that divisive and hateful behaviours will not succeed in dividing our community.”
In addition to these strengthened laws, the Minns Labor Government is has also announced increased funding to support the crucial work of the NSW Police Force Engagement and Hate Crime Unit by $525,000.
There will be an increase to the NSW Local Government Social Cohesion Grants Program by $500,000, as well as training to support local governments address rising prevalence of hate crimes.
“Police are doing everything they can to disrupt and investigate these vile crimes. Today’s announcement will further strengthen their capability to continue this critical work,” said Police Minister Yasmin Catley.
“Our community thrives on diversity and mutual respect. We refuse to let those driven by hate divide us.”
The NSW Police Force launched Operation Shelter on 11 October 2023 to respond to public safety in relation to the current conflict in the Middle East.
More than 300 proactive patrols are conducted under Operation Shelter every day. These centre around significant sites such as places of worship.
Resources from Traffic and Highway Patrol, the Regional Enforcement Squad, dog unit and Pol Air have also been brought in to help local police on the ground.
Strike Force Pearl has been established to investigates these hate crimes – and doubled its fulltime dedicated detectives from 20 to 40.
The reforms send a strong message about the seriousness of committing acts of racial hatred and antisemitism, and the NSW Government’s commitment to send a clear message to perpetrators that they will be held responsible for these acts.
NSW Jewish Board of Deputies president David Ossip said the reform package is a welcome step towards stamping out hate speech and bringing the antisemitic violence playing out on our streets under control.
“Crucially, these reforms will make those intent on stoking hatred and division think twice before they act,” he said.
“We have been saying for weeks now that the Jewish community is the target of an ongoing campaign of domestic terrorism designed to tear at our social fabric. This is now beyond dispute and we welcome moves to protect the harmony of our society which is currently under attack.”
Ossip said the antisemitism crisis didn’t start with the firebombing of childcare centres and cars, “it started with words”.
“We also support moves to introduce a new offence prohibiting the display of a Nazi symbol on or near a synagogue as well as ending the harassment and intimidation of any Australian exercising their right to freedom of religion by visiting a place of worship. It is unconscionable that anyone believes it is acceptable to menace and intimidate innocent Australians doing nothing more than attending a place of worship.”
Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said: “Our multicultural society is one of our greatest achievements, but it is not something we can afford to take for granted. It requires our constant attention.
“The Minns Government will continue to proactively address bad faith actors and explore every avenue to ensure social harmony and that our multicultural society is protected.”
Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said: “It’s vital that all tiers of government are united in the effort to stop antisemitism.
“I welcome the additional support and training for councils so that they can expand their work promoting unity and harmony within local communities.”
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