A new campaign developed by Legal Aid NSW has been launched to stop the practice of people making public threats of violence.
Announced by Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Mark Speakman, the campaign, Stop Public Threats, sends a message that threatening violence against people based on their race, religion or sexuality is unacceptable.
Mr Speakman said the campaign featured a new website, which hosts a podcast, information about the law, multi-lingual resources and links to support services.
“There have been alarming reports that the COVID-19 pandemic has fuelled racist abuse towards some members of the community,” Mr Speakman said.
“The Stop Public Threats campaign is timely to support a cohesive response to COVID-19 in NSW and to safeguard vulnerable members of the community to understand their legal rights,” he said.
“The campaign raises awareness that threatening or inciting violence against people because they belong to a particular group is a crime and carries tough penalties.”
Mr Speakman said the campaign supported members of the community to understand the legal protections available and how to report incidents.
He said Legal Aid NSW would conduct training with community groups as part of the campaign.
“Discrimination and public threats of violence have no place in NSW and the new campaign reflects the legislation and community standards,” he said.
Mr Speakman said the campaign followed extensive consultation with religious leaders, community organisations and other Government Agencies and was supported by the NSW Police Force, Multicultural NSW, Anti-Discrimination NSW, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Department of Communities and Justice.
Further information on the Stop Public Threats campaign can be accessed at this PS News link.
