Queensland to ban more hate symbols in fight against antisemitism

2 months ago 6

Queensland’s government is looking to expand the number of banned hate symbols alongside other action on antisemitism, its chief legal officer says.

Attorney-General Deb Frecklington told reporters in Brisbane on Thursday that she was actively working on her government’s response to antisemitism after the Bondi shooting.

She said this work would also likely expand the list of banned hate symbols in the state beyond the sole existing entry under 2024 laws: the Nazi hooked cross, often referred to as a swastika.

Queensland Attorney-General Deb Frecklington.

“Already, the Nazi symbol is outlawed in this state, and we’re working on others – that work has already commenced,” Frecklington said.

“[We are] absolutely looking at extending that as well as soon as possible.”

Frecklington said the state would not be pushed into “knee-jerk reactions” on gun laws. A day earlier, the deputy premier had said Queensland was seeking further detail on a national plan but had agreed to limit the number of guns a person could own.

But she insisted the Crisafulli LNP government’s strong stance against antisemitism with the Jewish community since the attack was the right response.

The state would also consider expanding hate speech laws and penalties, where “everything’s on the table”, but would do so “calmly and methodically”, she said.

Sunday’s attack on a Jewish Hanukkah event saw the father-son gunmen allegedly kill 15 people and injure dozens more, setting off an outpouring of community fear, mourning, and calls for action.

While initial action through national cabinet focused on gun law reform, the federal Albanese government announced further measures to tackle antisemitism on Thursday.

These include increased enforcement of hate speech – including in universities – and efforts to address antisemitism through the education system.

Speaking at another media conference on Thursday, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the government would also consider which of the federally proposed antisemitism measures the state could enact.

Bleijie listed instances of rising antisemitism, including Labor figures holding “Free Palestine” signs at the party’s November state conference.

He then referenced “the marching, the protesting, the Hamas flag, the ISIS flag”, accusing the federal and former state Labor governments of failing to call them out.

The deputy premier then claimed Labor leader Steven Miles oversaw MPs “attending protests in support of a Hamas terrorist organisation in Palestine” while he was premier.

“Unless you call that out, which we did in opposition, then you won’t get solutions,” Bleijie said.

“That’s why we will look at the laws and we will strengthen the laws to make sure our Jewish community feels safe in their streets, in their homes, in their community.”

This masthead has asked Bleijie to clarify if he considered attendance at pro-Palestine marches as an expression of support for Hamas. Comment has been sought from the opposition.

Asked if the state was also considering a NSW-style ban on protests following a terrorism incident, Bleijie said Frecklington and Police Minister Dan Purdie were considering all options.

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