A former far-right group, now operating under the name White Australia party, is mounting a legal challenge against its designation as an illegal hate organization, arguing that the ban infringes on its right to political expression. The high court heard evidence that the group’s ideology is linked to Nazi-era policies and could incite violence against certain communities. The designation followed intelligence assessments by Australia’s security services, which concluded the group posed a threat to national cohesion. The case raises questions about the balance between free speech protections and efforts to curb extremist rhetoric.
The former National Socialist Network is challenging ban in high court, arguing law breaches implied freedom of political communicationFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our new political email, free app or daily news podcastThe White Australia party is a “modern manifestation” of Adolf Hitler’s Nazi movement and would motivate hate crimes against sections of the country, the high court has heard.The White Australia party, formerly known as the National Socialist Network (NSN), was designated as an illegal hate group in May after the Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation (Asio) passed on its recommendation to the home affairs minister, Tony Burke. Continue reading...
