New laws outlaw the Nazi insignia in NSW

Nazi symbols are one step closer to being outlawed in New South Wales, after legislation criminalizing their usage passed the lower chamber of the state legislature on Tuesday.

It comes after Victoria banned the Nazi swastika and the Queensland and Tasmanian governments promised to outlaw the hate emblem.

According to NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman, the Nazi symbol injured and disturbed community people, especially Jews.

On Tuesday, he stated, ‘Hateful and vilifying behaviour is simply unacceptable in our community.’

The law, which must now be approved by the state legislature’s upper chamber, allows for the use of the sign for religious and educational reasons.

The use or exhibition of Nazi flags or Nazi artifacts containing swastikas will be prohibited by law.

Individuals who violated the legislation risked a year in jail or a $11,000 punishment, while businesses faced a $55,000 fine.

An addition to the Act would require a review of the laws within three and a half years of their implementation.

A NSW parliamentary panel recommended outlawing the sign earlier this year, which Jewish and Hindu organisations applauded.

NSW police received 31 allegations of Nazi flags being displayed in 2020, including one from a property near a Sydney synagogue.