New South Wales
NSW Extends Hate Speech Laws to Schools
New South Wales is cracking down on racial hate speech by bringing classrooms under the state’s public incitement laws. Premier Chris Minns announced that teachers across public, private, and Catholic schools will now be bound by a strict code of conduct. The changes give the state education board the authority to remove teachers found to be promoting racial hatred. The government is also introducing tougher rules to shut down illegal prayer halls and increasing fines for unauthorised places of worship to improve community safety.
SYDNEY — New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has formally expanded the state’s hate speech laws to include every classroom across the state. Under the new rules, teachers and school staff are prohibited from publicly inciting racial hatred. The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) now has the power to dismiss staff who breach these strengthened standards.
The changes take effect today and apply to more than 3,000 schools, including government, independent, and Catholic institutions. Premier Minns said that while the vast majority of teachers act responsibly, the new measures are a common-sense step to ensure schools remain safe and inclusive for all students. How will these new rules affect what can be discussed inside school grounds?
New Powers to Remove Staff for Inciting Hate
For the first time, the state’s education regulator has a clear mandate to investigate reports of hate speech within schools. If a teacher is found to have encouraged racial hatred, the board can direct the school to take action, including termination. The government says these measures are essential to maintaining parental trust in the education system.
The Premier stressed that the laws are not designed to limit open discussion. Teachers can still address complex global issues, such as the conflict in Gaza, provided lessons are not used to promote hatred. Religious schools may continue teaching from holy texts, as long as those teachings are not used to target individuals or groups based on race.
Crackdown on Illegal Prayer Halls
Outside of schools, the government is also introducing new powers allowing local councils to shut down unauthorised prayer halls. Premier Minns said some illegal venues have the potential to spread dangerous ideologies. If operators ignore closure orders, councils will now be able to cut off water and electricity supplies.
The move follows a deadly terror attack at Bondi Beach in December, which prompted renewed efforts across the state to tighten security and counter extremist activity.
Higher Fines and Stronger Planning Controls
Fines for operating places of worship without proper approval will be doubled. Local councils will also be required to consult police before approving new religious developments to ensure buildings are safely located and do not pose risks to nearby communities.
The announcements come ahead of a visit by Israeli President Isaac Herzog next week, who is expected to meet with the Bondi community following the December attack. The Premier indicated that strict protest conditions will be enforced during the visit to maintain public safety.
Key Highlights
- Teachers can be dismissed for inciting racial hatred in any NSW school.
- The state education board now has expanded oversight and disciplinary powers.
- Discussion of global events and religious texts remains allowed if not used as hate speech.
- Councils can shut down illegal prayer halls and cut off utilities if orders are ignored.
- Fines for unauthorized places of worship have been doubled.
- Tight protest controls are expected during the Israeli President’s visit to Sydney.
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