NSWCCL condemns the antisemitic demonstration of neo-Nazis at NSW Parliament house as repugnant racial hatred. The racist beliefs of neo-Nazis are antithetical to a society that respects individuals freedoms and rights. 

Earlier this year, without consultation from civil society, the NSW Government introduced a raft of new laws that unduly restrict freedom of speech and the right to protest. At the time they were introduced, NSWCCL warned these laws would bring more hatred. 

Comments attributable to Timothy Roberts, President NSWCCL 

“If Minns introduces more authoritarian laws in response to this vile act of hatred, he will be playing right into the neo-Nazis hands. You do not fight fascists with laws that erode our civil liberties. 

“Earlier this year, the Minns Labor Government introduced a number of laws that restricted speech and protest. On multiple occasions NSW Police have chosen not to enforce these laws at neo-Nazi events. 

“NSW Police already have exceptional powers to disband protests or prevent them from happening. They have chosen not to use these powers against neo-Nazis. This failure is where Minns should be focussing his attention, not further restricting our democracy.

“It is already a crime to racially discriminate and incite racial hatred. If there ever was a time to use these laws, it was over the weekend, yet NSW Police chose not to. Minns must see that more laws restricting protest are not the answer. 

“A much needed history lesson for the Minns government - in the 1930s the Nazi party won through the expansion of police powers and surveillance. You cannot fight fascism with authoritarianism.

 “It’s deeply concerning that with respect to Palestine and climate protests, the police escalate matters to the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, with respect to neo-Nazis, they have let this one straight through to the keeper. Minns needs to urgently ensure that neo-Nazis are on the police’s radar.”