Motions

Prohibition of Neo-Nazi Symbols

The Hon. S.L. GAME (16:36): I seek leave to move Notice of Motion, Private Business, No. 25 standing in my name in an amended form.

Leave granted.

The Hon. S.L. GAME: I move:

1. That a select committee of the Legislative Council be established to inquire into and report on the prohibition of Neo-Nazi symbols, with particular reference to:

(a) the symbols used to identify and promote Neo-Nazi and other ideologically motivated (extreme far right) groups, and options to prohibit their display;

(b) the activities of Neo-Nazi and other ideologically motivated extremist groups in South Australia;

(c) discrimination faced by Jewish South Australians and other groups within the community targeted by Neo-Nazi and other ideologically motivated extremist groups;

(d) prohibitions on such symbols in other jurisdictions, including proposed prohibitions;

(e) the requirements of the Australian Constitution and other legal matters relevant to the prohibition of Neo-Nazi symbols; and

(f) any other relevant matters.

2. That the committee consist of four members and that the quorum of members necessary to be present at all meetings of the committee be fixed at three members.

3. That this council permits the select committee to authorise the disclosure or publication, as it sees fit, of any evidence or documents presented to the committee prior to such evidence being presented to the council.

In moving this motion, I am pleased to call for the establishment of this committee. The image of a fascist salute on the steps of the Adelaide Holocaust Museum and Steiner Education Centre was abhorrent. There has been no consequence for this action because currently this is not a prohibited activity.

The Australia wide Neo-Nazi organisation responsible for this action and the ideologically motivated extremist groups need to be investigated and dealt with. Many of you would have read the article published in the On Dit student paper at the University of Adelaide calling for death to the state of Israel. Again, there have been no consequences for this publication because this is not a prohibited activity.

Any practical tools we can give our law enforcement the better, and any sensible way we can keep our communities safer. I want to assure the public that this select committee will include a broad community of constituents affected by these organised groups. We will consult with the local Jewish community, people of gender diversity, the disabled community, people of other ethnicities and races, all of whom have been targeted by Neo-Nazi groups.

The committee will help to identify the scope of the problem and hear suggestions from experts on how to resolve this. As previously mentioned, this is not about stopping historical displays or educational pieces. It is not about banning the use of ancient religious symbols. It is about halting the glorification of Nazis and the intimidation of the community by the brazen use of a hate symbol. All avenues should be approached in the effort to stamp out racial hatred. I trust my colleagues here to agree that establishing a select committee is the right thing to do.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. I.K. Hunter.