With just under three weeks until we commemorate Remembrance Day, the NSW Government has passed legislation strengthening penalties for vandals who seriously damage war memorials.

The Crimes Legislation Amendment (War Memorial Offences) Bill 2025 passed Parliament on Wednesday afternoon, creating an aggravated offence of intentional or reckless property damage or destruction applying to war memorials.

It increases the maximum penalty from five to seven years’ imprisonment for intentionally or recklessly damaging a war memorial.

The bill also amended the Summary Offences Act to allow the court to order a convicted person to pay up to $4,400 in compensation for any loss or damage caused.

This discretionary order means local councils, RSLs or other community organisations that maintain war memorials will not have to foot the bill for remediation. A point questioned by the City of Lismore RSL Sub-branch.

Wilson McClelland, Hon Secretary of the City of Lismore RSL Sub-branch, told the Lismore App, "City of Lismore RSL Sub-branch welcomes any legislation that further enhances the protection of War Memorials in our area.

"Apart from the occasional acts of vandalism, such as graffiti, we have not had major issues with Memorials located in Lismore, North Lismore, and Nimbin, and Lismore City Council has always attended to these acts straight away.

"While we welcome this legislation catching the offenders and processing through the court system remains another issue, and usually people that carry out these deplorable acts are not in a situation to pay reimbursement to cover costs, so councils, RSL Sub branches will still have to foot the bill. So basically, it looks good on paper, but it is yet to be proven that it will work.

The protection of our war memorials is vital. Local war memorials play a crucial role in honouring the service and sacrifice of all those who have served.

They provide a space for communities to gather, reflect and educate the next generation.

The Attorney General, Michael Daley, said, “The passage of this important legislation sends the clear message that the vandalism of our war memorials is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“It provides the strongest possible penalties for this unacceptable conduct and also means local organisations will not be left with the bill to repair any damage caused.”

Minister for Veterans David Harris said, “This legislation demonstrates this Government’s commitment to our veterans and their families and honouring their service and sacrifice.

“The strengthened provisions will ensure those who act inappropriately and desecrate the memories of veterans will feel the full weight of the law.

”We’ve listened to veterans and acted.”