Recently the NSW Government has proposed a new set of laws which include: 

• Up to 2 years in jail for intentionally inciting racial hatred.
• Increased penalties for nazi symbols near synagogues
• Up to 2 years in prison for blocking/harassing at places of worship
• Expanded Hate Crime Definitions

While some believe these updates address the recent wave of antisemitic attacks in Sydney, others have criticised it as a kneejerk reaction which does not address the root issues.

The NSW Council for Civil Liberties have suggested that the NSW Government is ignoring its 2024 review of hate speech laws which recommended that the current criminal vilification offences in the NSW Crimes Act be maintained.

“You cannot arrest your way into social cohesion.” says NSWCCL president Timothy Roberts.

The Human Rights Law Centre echoes this concern, “More police powers will not address the rise in antisemitism, racism and far-right extremism that is harming our communities. A clear line must be drawn between preventing acts of violent racism, and intimidation on the basis of religion and protecting the right to peacefully protest,” they say.

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