The NSW Government has announced it will ban the display of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp (IRGC) and Hizb ut-Tahrir symbols in NSW.
Legislation to be introduced to NSW Parliament today follows the Federal Government’s declaration of the IRGC as a state sponsor of terrorism and Hizb ut-Tahrir a hate group.
Under the reforms, the public display of IRGC and Hizb ut-Tahrir symbols without reasonable excuse will be punishable by up to two years’ imprisonment, a $22,000 fine or both and $110,000 for corporations. A reasonable excuse includes for an academic or another public interest purpose.
The reforms will be complemented by new takedown powers to make clear to the NSW community the display of these symbols is unacceptable, said Attorney General Michael Daley.
“There is no place in NSW for hateful, extremist conduct,” said Mr Daley.
“We are ensuring the public display of these symbols is a criminal offence in NSW and giving police the tools they need to investigate and hold extremists to account.
“This strong, decisive measure will help keep the community safe and bring NSW’s terrorism-related criminal framework into line with the Commonwealth.”
Refusal to comply with a takedown order will be punishable by up to three months’ imprisonment, a $2,200 fine or both.
