ABC News Daily Should neo-Nazis be banned from protesting?
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Nov 13, 2025 
In a thought-provoking discussion, Josh Roose, an extremism expert and associate professor at Deakin University, delves into the alarming presence of neo-Nazi groups in Australia. He explores the tactics these groups use to evade legal restrictions and questions why a rally targeting Jewish individuals was permitted. Josh argues for re-evaluating the balance between free speech and public safety, highlighting the risks of allowing hate speech to escalate. His insights prompt a deep reflection on the challenges of banning extremist movements in a liberal democracy.
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Neo‑Nazis Paraded At Parliament
- The National Socialist Network marched in front of NSW Parliament under the White Australia Political Party name, displaying anti‑Semitic banners and giving speeches.
- Members wore black uniforms, showed their faces, and escalated public visibility compared with earlier actions.
Laws Are Reactive Not Preventive
- Existing Summary Offences laws allow police to notify, authorise or seek court prohibition for assemblies but are reactive.
- Police cannot preemptively ban an assembly solely because of its ideology, limiting proactive prevention.
Coded Rhetoric Lets Extremists Evade Law
- Extremist groups use coded language and conspiratorial framing to avoid explicit calls for violence.
- Phrases like "the Jewish lobby" mask racial targets and let organisers remain just inside legal thresholds.