Stronger laws to tackle antisemitism and protect places of worship

The Tasmanian Government is taking strong action to crack down on antisemitism and protect places of worship, with the introduction of the Justice Miscellaneous (Prohibited Symbols and Protection of Worship) Bill 2026 to Parliament.

Attorney-General Guy Barnett said the Bill delivers on the Government’s commitment to strengthen Tasmania’s laws following the horrific terror attack at Bondi Beach in December 2025.

“We have seen the devastating consequences when antisemitism and extremist ideology are allowed to take hold,” the Attorney-General said.

“There is no excuse for spreading hate and fear within our community, and this legislation sends a clear message that displaying symbols associated with terrorist organisations is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in Tasmania.

“No Tasmanian should ever fear attending a place of worship or be confronted by the display of terrorist symbols. Places of worship should always be places of sanctuary, community and peace.”

The legislation preventing the display of prohibited symbols will apply to symbols of groups proscribed by the Australian Government as terrorist organisations and registered hate groups under Commonwealth legislation, currently including Hizb ut-Tahrir and White Australia.

The Bill will also create new offences under the Police Offences Act 1935 to prevent a person from disturbing, harassing, threatening, hindering, obstructing or intimidating people at places of worship or engaged in religious assembly.

New offences will also specifically criminalise damage to places of worship, recognising the particular impact such acts can have when motivated by hate.

The final bill has been developed to ensure that legitimate protest activity will not be affected.

“This work builds on our Government’s nation-leading reforms in 2023 to prohibit the display of Nazi symbols and the use of Nazi salutes,” the Attorney-General said.

“This is important, targeted law reform to respond to the horrific Bondi terror attack. With the Royal Commission still underway, we will of course consider further reform based on final recommendations that the Royal Commission makes.

“Through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future we will continue to take action to keep Tasmanians safe and ensure there is no place for antisemitism, hate or support for terrorist ideology in our community.”