The SA Greens in Parliament this week have called on the Malinauskas Government to follow their interstate counterparts in criminalising public displays of Nazi symbols.
This comes after revelations during question time this week a lack of action by the Parliamentary Committee tasked with inquiring into the prohibition of Neo-Nazi symbols. That Committee, chaired by One Nation MLC Sarah Game, has only had public hearings on three occasions over a year, and has apparently not met in over four months.
Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory have now legislated bans on Nazi symbols, salutes, and other associated actions. The Federal Government introduced their own legislation in June 2023, to complement but not replace the work of States.
Quotes attributable to Tammy Franks MLC:
“Everyone has the right to feel safe and live their lives in our community free of intimidation and threats. Violent extremist material, which is used to incite violence and instil fear in the community, has no place in our state.”
“Over a year ago we were promised action on this issue. The One Nation chaired Committee has lapsed into indolence and apathy. We cannot wait for One Nation any longer. We have all the evidence we need to address this scourge in South Australia urgently.”
“Any time a Nazi symbol is displayed in public, it is designed to cause fear in our communities. Our Government has a duty to act to curb the growing threat of far-right extremist ideologies. We cannot wait for One Nation any longer.”