Charisa Bossinakis
Australia is set to introduce a national ban on Nazi symbols amid a rise in 'violent far-right activity'.
The Australian government announced the national crackdown to ban the symbol - which is already banned in many states - yesterday, with Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus explaining: "There is no place in Australia for symbols that glorify the horrors of the Holocaust.
"And we will no longer allow people to profit from the display and sale of items which celebrate the Nazis and their evil ideology.
"The Albanese government is sending the clearest possible signal to those who seek to spread hatred, violence and anti-Semitism that we find these actions repugnant and they will not be tolerated.
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"We think it’s time for there to be a federal law which I’ll be bringing to the Parliament next week."
However, Dreyfus added that the Nazi salute would not be banned.
The Attorney-General is expected to introduce the bill next week but added that it would not affect religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, where the swastika has other peaceful meanings.
He also told reporters that there has been an increase in neo-Nazi rallies in the past few months.
In May, around 20 neo-Nazis gathered on the steps of parliament in Melbourne's CBD dressed in black while covering their faces to protest against increasing immigration.
One officer was pepper sprayed and received medical attention at the scene.
Following the rally, Victorian Police issued a statement, describing the protest as ‘appalling’.
"Like the community, police were appalled at the acts displayed in Melbourne today," they said.
"We understand incidents of anti-Semitism can leave communities feeling targeted, threatened and vulnerable. Hate and prejudice has no place in our society.
"Today's protest involved many different opposing groups and our core focus was to ensure safety, prevent clashes and de-escalate any violent behaviour."
A 20-year-old and a 30-year-old man were arrested and have been accused of assaulting police.
They will face court at a later date.
A month earlier, there were also reports of neo-Nazis marching in the heart of Melbourne as anti-trans rights campaigner Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull organised to speak to supporters outside parliament.
Around 30 neo-Nazis demonstrated salutes as they swarmed the streets before being led away by police.
Keen-Minshull denied any connection to the group, while Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes slammed the demonstration as ‘disgraceful and cowardly’.