Overview

• Australia has enacted a law banning the public display of Nazi symbols and the Nazi salute, in response to a surge in antisemitism and hate crimes, particularly following the Israel-Hamas war.
• The law, which is the first of its kind in the country, also criminalizes the sale and display of symbols associated with designated terror groups, including Nazis.
• Violations of the law are punishable by up to 12 months in prison.
• Antisemitic incidents have significantly increased in Australia, with more incidents reported in the three months since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war than the previous year.
• Notable incidents include a group of protesters chanting “gas the Jews” in October, and a group of neo-Nazis performing a salute during a transgender rights protest in March.