Tougher protections for war memorials pass the House of Assembly

The Police Offences Amendment (Increased Penalties for Damage to Tasmanian War Memorials) Bill 2026 has passed the House of Assembly, marking a major step in strengthening protections for war memorials.

Liberal Member for Bass, Michael Ferguson, said the Tasmanian Government took strong action following the recent vandalism of the St Helens Cenotaph.

“The vandalism of the St Helens Cenotaph earlier this year was deeply distressing for the local community and for many veterans across the State,” Mr Ferguson said.

“Each act of damage is much more than a property crime. It is an affront to the memory of those who served and sacrificed and an insult to the whole community.

“This Bill increases the maximum penalties for interfering with a war memorial to 500 penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years and introduces a mandatory minimum fine.

“This Bill also ensures that those responsible are required to pay for the damage they cause.”

The legislation allows courts to require offenders to perform community service in the community where the offence occurred.

“I want to particularly thank RSL Tasmania for their engagement and support, as well as the St Helens RSL Subbranch President Clair Norton for her advocacy.

“We are delivering for Tasmania by sending a clear message that we will not tolerate vandalism of the memorials that honour our veterans.

“I look forward to the Bill being considered by the Legislative Council in due course.”