Man charged under new NSW hate crime laws for displaying Nazi symbols in Wagga Wagga shopfront poster.

A 69-year-old man in Wagga Wagga has been charged with knowingly displaying Nazi symbols over a shopfront poster depicting Coalition politicians and Australian billionaires as German World War II soldiers. The display was seen during the March federal election campaign, but police initially determined it didn't break the Australian Criminal Code. However, after further inquiries, the man was charged under NSW's hate crime laws, which were introduced in February this year in response to an increase in hate speech and anti-Semitic incidents. The shop owner is set to appear in court on August 20.

A 69-year-old man from Southern NSW has been charged with knowingly displaying Nazi symbols over a shopfront poster depicting Coalition politicians and Australian billionaires as German World War II soldiers. The incident occurred during the March federal election campaign and was initially deemed not to violate the Australian Criminal Code by police. However, after further inquiries, the man was charged under NSW's hate crime laws, which were introduced in February 2025 in response to an increase in hate speech and anti-Semitic incidents. The shop owner is set to appear in court on August 20 [1].

The display, which featured former opposition leader Peter Dutton, Riverina MP Michael McCormack, Gina Rinehart, and Clive Palmer in German World War II uniforms, was reported to police on March 31. Police had sought legal advice and determined that the display did not break the Australian Criminal Code. However, following further inquiries, the man was charged under the recently introduced laws that prohibit the display of Nazi symbols without an excuse [1].

NSW hate crime laws were passed in February this year to address the rise in hate speech and anti-Semitic incidents. The laws aim to hold individuals accountable for actions that incite hatred or violence against specific groups, including Jewish communities. The recent surge in anti-Semitic incidents, including assaults, vandalism, threats, and intimidation, has led to a 300% increase in reported incidents since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel [2].

The special envoy to combat anti-Semitism, Jillian Segal, has unveiled a sweeping plan to address the issue. The plan includes recommendations on public broadcasting, migration, policing, and education, among other areas. Segal's report emphasizes the need for universities and other public institutions to address antisemitism, suggesting that funding may be withheld from those that fail to act [2].

The charges against the Wagga Wagga shop owner come amidst broader efforts to combat hate speech and anti-Semitism in Australia. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stated that the government will "carefully consider" the recommendations made by Segal, and has emphasized that antisemitism has no place in Australia [2].

References:
[1] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-11/wagga-wagga-man-charged-with-displaying-nazi-symbols/105520548
[2] https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/australian-report-on-curbing-antisemitism-suggests-slashing-university-funding