The Opposition welcomes the listing of the neo-Nazi group ‘White Australia’ as a prohibited hate group under Federal law.
This group, also operating under names including the National Socialist Network and European Australian Movement, has propagated disgusting neo-Nazi ideology, racial supremacy and antisemitism, ramping up the prospect of violence in our community with little punishment.
Shadow Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Jonno Duniam says that this organisation’s activities now being criminalised, because of laws the Opposition backed in January, is a welcome development for Australians.
“Let’s be absolutely clear, the modus operandi of these neo-Nazis is to destroy the Australian way of life. Our message to them is that your ideology of hate has no place in our society and that if your criminal organisation persists, it will be shut down and your members punished.”
“Australians do not want to see people avoid justice simply by tearing down a banner and re-emerging under a different name. This recommendation along with that of Hizb ut-Tahrir shows that the laws we backed in January of this year are responsible and effective.”
Senator Duniam said the Opposition had played a substantial role in ensuring legislation targeting extremist organisations was strong without impinging on democratic freedoms.
“We ensured the legislation was capable of dealing with extremist groups that threaten the fabric of Australian society, not shutting down free speech,” Senator Duniam said.
Senator Duniam confirmed the Opposition would continue supporting measures that strengthen Australia’s national security framework.
“The listing sends a clear message that organisations that seek to undermine our society and spread extremist ideology have no place in Australia.”