A New South Wales parliamentary inquiry examining potential bans on protest slogans has been warned that outlawing phrases like "globalise the intifada" risks importing repressive models from the United Kingdom and will disproportionately affect Muslim Australians.
Community Submissions Warn of Overreach
The inquiry into measures to prohibit slogans that incite hatred closed to submissions on Monday. It was established in the wake of the Bondi Junction terror attack, which catalysed a swift government response. The Australian National Imams Council (Anic) stated in its submission that such content-based bans are "likely to disproportionately affect Muslim Australians, including Palestinian and Arab communities."
Echoing this concern, the activist Palestine Action Group (PAG) argued that a ban risks "importing repressive models from overseas, particularly the United Kingdom." In December, UK police forces announced they would arrest protesters using the phrase. PAG, while stating it had not itself led the chant at its rallies since October 2023, rejected the suggestion it was threatening.
Controversy Over Meaning and Impact
The phrase "intifada," from the Arabic for "uprising" or "shaking off," refers to two major Palestinian uprisings against Israel. Its use remains highly contentious. Following the Bondi attack, NSW Premier Chris Minns labelled "globalise the intifada" as "hateful, violent rhetoric" and initially intended to ban it before referring the matter to committee.
Submissions highlight a stark divide in interpretation. Anic argued phrases like "globalise the intifada" and "from the river to the sea" do not have a single, fixed meaning and are used in varied political contexts. Conversely, many in the Jewish community strongly associate "intifada" with violence and terrorism. The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies has welcomed the move to ban the phrase as a "watershed moment in confronting hate."
David Slucki, Director of the Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation, called the phrase "offensive" and "threatening," emphasising the need to consider its harmful impact regardless of intent.
Calls for Caution and Alternative Approaches
Other organisations urged legislative caution. The NSW Council for Civil Liberties (NSWCCL) warned that banning slogans could undermine social cohesion and the implied freedom of political communication. It argued the criminal law is a "blunt instrument" for managing community tension, advocating instead for an approach centred on education and human rights.
The inquiry, run by the Labor-majority committee on law and safety, will not hold public hearings. It is expected to deliver its final report to the government on 31 January. Major Jewish community organisations were granted an extension for their submissions due to the demands of supporting their community post-Bondi.
