There are concerns about a possible rise in Neo-Nazism in Australia, following incidents across three consecutive days in Sydney's north.
The first incident occurred on Australia Day ((Fri 26)), when around 60 hooded men, mostly wearing black masks and clothes, were intercepted at North Sydney station by more than 20 police officers.
Police said the group concealed their faces and were carrying shields and a flag, with six arrested and a further 55 men fined for offensive behaviour.
Police then broke up a gathering on Saturday evening in North Turramurra, issuing a public safety order extension, before again being forced to intervene at another demonstration in Sydney's north shore on Sunday morning.
Thirty-year-old self-appointed leader Thomas Sewell heads the far-right group known as the National Socialist Network and was filmed being served by officers with a legal order banning him from attending any Australia Day events in Sydney.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the group, highlighting an ASIO [[Australian Security Intelligence Organisation]] warning about the rise of right-wing extremism.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has since pledged to extend legislation in the state to outlaw racist Nazi ideology and white power symbols.
He praised the swift actions of police in stopping the group in what he called difficult circumstances.
Dr. Kaz Ross is an independent researcher into far-right extremism, and debunks this idea.
She says more members of the group were from New South Wales than Victoria, citing a long-standing presence of neo-Nazism in New South Wales.
Dr Ross says a lot of people don't realise this group is linked to a global network of far-right extremists, who aren't as interested in politics and adopt more of a tribe mentality.
In 2022, the New South Wales government became the second state after Victoria in Australia to ban Nazi symbols, including intentionally waving a Nazi flag or displaying memorabilia bearing Nazi swastikas.
These acts can result in jail time for up to a year, along with a fine of over $100,000.
NSW Premier Chris Minns has refused to comment on reports that members of the group were public servants and said he'd leave matters of identification up to the police.
But he says it's being tested in court whether existing legislation might be applied to “hand gestures” tied to such fascist ideology, adding that if the legal barrier isn't clear the government will move legislation to outlaw racist Nazi ideology and white supremacist symbols in New South Wales.
Dr. Kaz Ross is an independent researcher into far-right extremism adds that community support is vital in preventing young men in particular from becoming radicalised by such far-right extreme ideologies.
She says while laws can help demonise the actions of such groups, Australia is in desperate need of support programs to prevent radicalisation.
