The action of Neo-Nazi protesters in making brazen Sieg Heil salutes on the steps of the Victorian parliament has renewed focus on efforts to hamper extremism and vilification.
Most states and territories have enacted bans or are in the process of outlawing the display of Nazi symbols, with the salute covered in some jurisdictions.
All existing and proposed bans make exceptions including for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and other groups for whom the swastika is an important symbol predating its appropriation by Nazis.
* Victoria was the first state to enact a ban on December 29, 2022. It’s a criminal offence to display Nazi symbols in public, which carries a maximum penalty of a fine of almost $22,000, 12 months imprisonment, or both. The government is moving to amend the law to ban the Nazi salute as well.
* NSW banned Nazi flags and symbols in August, with offenders facing penalties of up to a year in behind bars or a fine of up to $11,000.
* Proposed laws tabled in the Queensland parliament would ban the display, distribution or publication of extremist hate symbols, with a maximum penalty of three years in jail. Social media and tattoos are covered by the laws, as well as the Nazi salute in certain circumstances.
Read the article by Nick Gibbs in The West Australian.