Ban on neo-Nazi White Australia party is ‘authoritarian’ and breaches constitution, high court hears
Summary
The White Australia party, which is linked to neo-Nazi views, is challenging a ban on their group in Australia’s high court. The party’s lawyers argue that the law banning them is unfair because it gives too much power to a politician rather than a judge, and that it breaks rules about political freedom.Key Facts
- The White Australia party was previously called the National Socialist Network (NSN).
- The party was banned in May after a security agency recommended it to the home affairs minister, Tony Burke.
- Supporting or joining the group is now a crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
- The party is arguing that the law banning them violates freedom of political communication and concentrates too much power in one minister.
- Lawyers say the ban based on a politician’s opinion is “authoritarian” and lacks proper judicial review.
- The party’s lawyers refer to a 1951 high court case where banning a political party (Communist Party of Australia) was overturned.
- The government says the group is not a normal political party but an extension of a banned hate group.
- The party’s leader, Tom Sewell, has a criminal record for offensive behavior using racist language.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
