The NSW Government will introduce tough new laws banning hateful symbols and giving police greater powers to remove face coverings during public assemblies.

At the same time, the Government will urgently examine additional measures to further crack down on hateful slogans.

On Monday, legislation will be introduced making it an offence under NSW law to publicly display terrorist symbols such as ISIS flags without a reasonable excuse.

The offence will carry a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment or a $22,000 fine, and up to $110,000 for organisations. A reasonable excuse includes an academic purpose or another purpose in the public interest.

The legislation will also give police more powers to require someone suspected of committing an offence during a public assembly to remove their face covering. Currently, removal can only be required to confirm someone’s identity if they are arrested and detained or suspected of committing an indictable offence.

This change will lower the threshold during public assemblies so anyone suspected of committing any offence, including lower-level offences, can be required to remove their face covering.

Horrific recent events also show that the chant “globalise the intifada” is hate speech and encouraging violence in our community. This chant will be banned alongside other hateful statements used to vilify and intimidate our community.  

The Attorney General will ask the Legislative Assembly Committee on Law and Safety to conduct a quick investigation into other hateful statements and recommend which statements can be specifically included in the state’s tough hate speech laws to be introduced when parliament returns in the new year.

These reforms are designed to protect the community, prevent intimidation and allow NSW Police to focus on keeping people safe.

It follows changes announced this week to significantly tighten gun laws and temporarily restrict public assemblies following a terrorist attack.

Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales, said, “Hate speech or incitement of hatred has no place in our society.

“There is no place in New South Wales for slogans or symbols that incite hatred, glorify violence or intimidate communities. These laws send a clear message that hateful conduct will not be tolerated.

“These changes, alongside tougher gun laws and temporary restrictions on public assemblies following a terrorist incident, are about protecting the community, and allowing NSW Police to focus on preventing harm.”

Michael Daley, Attorney General, said, “There is no place for any kind of hateful symbols or speech in NSW.

“We must tackle this scourge in all its forms, including inflammatory and divisive symbols and slogans which cause real fear to vulnerable communities.

“This Government is determined to do whatever is necessary to ensure community safety and cohesion after the horrific events at Bondi.”