Right-wing terror threats to go under the microscope
Right-wing extremism in Australia will go under the spotlight in a new inquiry.
Supporters of the ‘Campaign Against Racism and Fascism’ march during a protest against a neo-Nazi gym meet-up in Sunshine West, Melbourne, Saturday, July 29, 2023. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)
A parliamentary committee will scrutinise the threat posed by extremist movements, including motivations, objectives and their capacity for violence over the next year.
It will look at links between individuals and groups with international movements in a bid to determine how people are radicalised as well as the role the internet and social media play promoting extremism.
Measures to counter violent extremism and young people being radicalised will also be examined.
The committee is launching the inquiry into right-wing extremism alongside reviewing counter-terrorism laws that criminalise the public display of Nazi symbols and people conducting the salute which passed this week.
Those who advocate for terrorism will also face more time behind bars, with the maximum prison sentence lifted from five to seven years under the new laws.
But the use of the swastika for religious purposes is still allowed.
The display of Islamic State symbols has also been outlawed.
There is a new criminal offence for using a carriage service for violent extremist material as well as possessing such material.
The parliamentary inquiry will report back by December 6, 2024.
AAP
