NSW Opposition Push Mask Ban After Neo-Nazi Rally

The NSW opposition will again be proposing the constitutionality of a blanket mask ban after the ‘mistakenly’ approved neo-Nazi rally outside parliament last Saturday.

Three sources with knowledge of government plans have confirmed the bill will be introduced to parliament this week. The cabinet will need to approve by Tuesday, on top of the other law and order measures.

Marching for a ‘White Australia’ and holding a banner that read ‘Abolish the Jewish Lobby’, over 70 neo-Nazi members of the National Socialist Network (NSN) gathered in front of the NSW parliament on Saturday, 8 November.

On Saturday afternoon, NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said he was unaware of the protest, calling it a “communication breakdown”, despite reports of organisers lodging a Form 1 last month, notifying police of the event.

Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole said, “The police are being stretched to breaking point while these extremists create havoc.”

“These gutless wonders hide their faces and spew hate on our streets. The police need stronger laws, not excuses.”

Opposition seeks tougher laws, reintroduces reforms Labor rejected

Strong criticism directed towards both sides of the political aisle have sparked questions about why and how the protest was allowed. The incidents also stir the public’s concerns and distrust of the police action and judgment towards permitting the rally.

Earlier this year when the Opposition first introduced the reforms, Labour voted against them..

Shadow Attorney General Alister Henskens said Labor missed the chance of having stronger protest laws that protect public safety and respect people’s right to go about their lives.

“They chose factional politics instead. The Premier talks tough, but his laws are weak, and the results are there for everyone to see,” Henskens said.

As parliament resumes on Tuesday, the NSW Opposition will reintroduce reforms previously rejected by Labor MPs. The reform will propose banning non-religious face coverings to prevent the action of hiding criminal behaviour, and shift the cost burden of protests onto organisers.

Organisers will be entitled to three “free” protests a year; above that, organisers will be required to pay, and courts must consider taxpayer costs.

Furthermore, the court is further required to examine the cost, disruption, frequency, economic impact, alternative quieter routes or locations available, and public safety before approving a  protest

The opposition will also try to reintroduce police move-on powers in a constitutionally compliant form, following their invalidation by the High Court. The powers contained Labor’s Places of Worship Bill, elements of which the court found unconstitutional.

Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said what happened on Saturday was a disgrace.

“It was not a protest, it was hate, and these were cowards hiding behind masks, trying to frighten people and divide our state,” he said. “The police need stronger powers to stop them before they strike again.”