A-G Kyam Maher (left) visiting the Education Centre named after Andrew Steiner (centre). Mr Maher said the use of Nazi symbols promoted hurt and hatred, which had “no place” in South Australia. Photo: Facebook/Kyam Maher.
As the conflict between Israel and Palestine rages on, there has been an identifiable rise of antisemitic and anti-immigration activities by neo-Nazi groups around the country. Last week the South Australian Government joined other states and territories in implementing new laws outlawing the display of swastikas in public or performing a Nazi salute.
Those found in violation of the laws proposed by the State Government could be fined up to $20,000 or face a year in jail.
However, the new laws do hold comprehensive defences for those using Nazi symbols in good faith – such as for academic, educational, reporting or artistic purposes, and religious reasons like the swastika representing a symbol of peace in Buddhist, Hindu and Jain faiths.
The day before SA’s announcement (28 November), the Federal Government said it would follow suit in banning hate symbols under new counter-terrorism laws. Now only Western Australia and the Northern Territory are yet to legislate a ban of this kind.
SA Attorney-General Kyam Maher said he firmly believed the state was an inclusive, welcoming place that embraced diversity in all its forms.
“These laws send a clear message that the use of these most widely recognised symbols of hate, violence and intolerance, to incite division in the community, has no place in South Australia,” he said.
“This move will also help ensure our state remains a safe and inclusive place, particularly for the Jewish community.
“I also understand there are times when people use the image of the swastika in good faith – especially in certain religions – which is why there will be defences available when the symbol is used in good faith for religious, educational or reporting purposes.”
In 2022, a state Parliamentary Select Committee was established to form an expert-driven basis for the drafting of the legislation. The organisations that contributed evidence to the committee include SA Police (SAPOL), the Adelaide Holocaust Museum, the History Trust of SA, and the Andrew Steiner Education Centre.
Mr Maher visited the Adelaide Holocaust Museum and Andrew Steiner Education Centre to declare the Government’s newly proposed laws, and said it was a solemn reminder of the need to be vigilant against extremism and hatred.
“Andrew Steiner is a survivor of the Holocaust,” he said. ”Today Andrew presented me with a small version of his sculpture of a young boy in a famous photo [sometimes known as the ”Warsaw Ghetto Boy”]. It is an amazingly powerful image.
“Andrew’s handwritten words about this photo and his sculpture say, ‘On the 14th of October 1944 as an 11-year-old boy I too was standing with my hands raised waiting to be executed. Here I am … bearing witness’.”
