White Australia, a neo-Nazi group, has lost its bid for temporary immunity from hate laws passed after the Bondi terror attack, which it claims will render it extinct. The organisation, which has been attempting to register as a political party, had asked the high court to temporarily block its designation as a prohibited hate group.
On Thursday, Chief Justice of the High Court Stephen Gageler dismissed White Australia's application for an injunction. The group is also challenging the broader constitutionality of anti-hate-speech laws enacted following the Bondi Beach mass shooting. A two-day hearing on the matter is scheduled for September.
During the injunction hearing on Thursday, White Australia's lawyer, Peter King, argued that the organisation's listing as a prohibited hate group would permanently shut it down. "Unless restrained, there will be an extinction of the organisation," he told the high court.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke declared the neo-Nazi organisation a prohibited hate group in May after receiving advice from spy agency ASIO. White Australia's predecessor, the National Socialist Network, announced it was disbanding when the hate laws were introduced. However, Burke stated that in reality, the group had "phoenixed" – changing its name to White Australia and continuing operations with largely the same members.
Under the government's declaration, it is a crime to support, fund, or join the group. The high court's decision marks a significant step in enforcing these laws, which were introduced to combat hate speech and extremist activities following the Bondi terror attack.
