New South Wales (NSW) Premier Chris Minns stated in a press conference on Sunday that he intends to strengthen the Australian state’s hate speech laws. Premier Minns’ statement follows a string of antisemitic attacks across Australia.
Premier Minns indicated that the Labor party would table to discuss hate speech laws and protest laws when parliament discussion resumes in February. He emphasized the need to address “racist vilification.” Premier Minns also stated that “there needs to be a common set of rules and they need to be applied consistently.”
Minns stated that while he can’t guarantee an end to these attacks, he promised that perpetrators of such actions will be brought to justice, adding:
That we will change the law if we believe we need to to strengthen the community, to keep people safe. And in a in a united way, make sure that the political leadership of the state and the country is united against this kind of racist attack in the Australian community.
Minns issued a statement on January 9 regarding an attack on the Southern Sydney Synagogue. He added that police forces would continue to mobilize in response to antisemitic attacks. He has also campaigned for stricter protest laws in response to protests that occurred outside of a synagogue. The proposed changes were met with criticism.
The NSW Law Reform Commission in its 2024 report cautioned against amending the current hate speech laws, namely section 93Z of the Crimes Act 1900. Section 93Z deals with religious and racial vilification. In its review, the NSW Law Reform Commission stated that the law is operable as it is, and a low number of prosecutions under it does not alone make a case for reform.
Additionally, the New South Wales Council for Civil Liberties (NSWCCL) disagreed with Premier Minns’ proposed changes. While acknowledging the need for increased protection from antisemitic attacks, NSWCCL opposed Premier Minns’ plan to criminalize protests outside of religious institutions. Public opinion remains divided regarding Minns’ proposed legislation.
