The Rockliff Liberal Government has sent a strong message that hateful and offensive conduct is not welcome in our State with the final passing of historic reforms to prohibit Nazi symbols and salutes in the Legislative Council.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Elise Archer, said the nation-leading reforms send a very clear message that Nazi symbols and salutes are a breach of our moral and community standards and are absolutely not welcome in Tasmania.
“Today, the Police Offences Amendment (Nazi Symbol and Gesture Prohibition) Bill 2023 (the Bill) passed the Legislative Council,” the Attorney-General said.
“We strongly condemn any display of hate in our community, and I am very pleased to have personally driven these important reforms that will help us deliver a safer and more caring community for all.
“The Bill inserts new offences in the Police Offences Act 1935 which prohibit the display of Nazi symbols and the use of a Nazi gesture.
“Importantly, it also acknowledges the continued importance of the swastika to the Buddhist, Hindu and Jain communities, and clearly states that the display of a swastika in this context is not an offence.
“The Bill also acknowledges other legitimate public purposes for display, including other religious, cultural, academic and educational purposes.
“The provisions in the Bill will commence on proclamation, which I anticipate will occur later this year.
“In the interim, Tasmania Police will undergo education and training on the new offences, including on the cultural significance of the swastika, and community education will also occur.
“Our Government acknowledges that Nazi symbols are used to promote hate not only against Jewish people, but also other minority groups.
“This Bill is the first of its kind in Australia and will contribute to the creation of a safer and more inclusive Tasmania.”
