Teachers In NSW Schools Subject To Explicit Ban On Hate Speech

Educators and staff in schools across New South Wales will be subject to strengthened code of conduct requirements explicitly prohibiting hate speech.

Coming into effect immediately, the changes will apply across more than 3,000 government, independent and Catholic schools, with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) given the power to fire those who breach the rules. 

“Until now, the rules haven’t been clear enough,” said Premier Chris Minns on Tuesday morning. “Schools should be places where young people feel safe, respected and supported, not exposed to hate or extremism.

“These changes make it absolutely clear that hate speech has no place in any NSW classroom, from any staff member, in any school and it gives the regulator clear guidelines to act.”

The changes are the latest in the NSW government’s crackdown on hate speech following the Bondi terror attack against the Jewish community in December.

Premier Minns clarified that the new codes of conduct wouldn’t clash with discussions of Israel and Palestine in the classroom, nor would religious schools face limits on quoting religious texts.

“Common sense changes”, says deputy Premier

A review into the process to assess a fit and proper person – the legal test required for school leadership – is also currently underway to investigate if it is fit for purpose and whether the current standards meet community expectations.

“The vast majority of principals and teachers in NSW schools do an incredible job,” said Deputy Premier and education minister Prue Car. “They are committed to our students and their education.

“These common sense changes are about maintaining this high standard and giving parents peace of mind.

“When parents send their children to school in NSW, they can know they’re learning in a safe and supportive environment.”

NESA will be updating its rules in the first few weeks of Term 1, 2026, requiring all schools to prohibit hate speech in their codes of conduct.