Committee finds May 2026 hate group listing was properly
The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has backed the Federal Government’s ban on White Australia. Its report found no reason to disallow the May 2026 listing under Commonwealth law.
The PJCIS reviewed the listing under Part 5.3B of the Criminal Code Act 1995. The committee found White Australia met the legal test for a prohibited hate group.
White Australia engaged in conduct constituting hate crimes against Australians. The committee also found the regulation was properly made.
White Australia was listed in May 2026 under the new prohibited hate group framework. It was the second listing under laws enacted earlier in 2026.
Those laws aim to stop groups that spread hatred, radicalise vulnerable young people and threaten social cohesion in Australia. Following its inquiry, the PJCIS examined evidence and stakeholder views.
Committee chair Senator Raff Ciccone said: “Based on the evidence, the Committee is satisfied that White Australia has engaged in conduct constituting hate crimes and that the listing is necessary to protect Australians from harm.”
Part 5.3B criminal offences
Under the listing, it is a criminal offence to be a member of White Australia. It is also an offence to recruit for it, train for it, fund it or provide material support.
Meanwhile, the PJCIS found no reason to block the legislative instrument behind the ban. That conclusion supports the Federal Government’s original decision to list the group.
Ciccone also said: “Australia will not tolerate groups that promote hatred, normalise extremist rhetoric and put the safety of Australians at risk.”
The full report is available on the committee’s website.
On the PJCIS website, readers can read the report, make a submission to an inquiry and check upcoming public hearings. The page also lets users track the committee and receive email updates.
