A New South Wales parliamentary inquiry established to investigate banning phrases such as "globalise the intifada" is facing significant criticism for being rushed through over the holiday period, with no public hearings and a deadline of just days for submissions.
Opposition Condemns 'Impossibly Short' Timeline
The state opposition has accused the Labor government of limiting proper community consultation on potential changes to hate speech legislation. The opposition leader, Kellie Sloane, stated the committee was set up "with no notice, no public hearings and an impossibly short deadline." She argued that a serious effort to tackle antisemitism and hate speech would require a comprehensive inquiry with ample time for public engagement.
The inquiry was referred to the parliament's law and safety committee on 22 December, with the closing date for submissions set for 12 January—a window of just three weeks over the Christmas and New Year break. The committee is expected to deliver its final report to the government by the end of January.
Inquiry Launched After Bondi Attack Law Changes
The probe was announced by Premier Chris Minns last month, following the Bondi attack, which also prompted the government to rush changes to gun control, hate speech, and protest laws through parliament. Minns specifically labelled the phrase "globalise the intifada" as "hateful, violent rhetoric" and expressed his intention to ban it.
However, instead of immediate legislation, the government tasked the committee with investigating how to prohibit such "hateful statements." Its terms of reference include assessing the threat such phrases pose to community cohesion and examining how to curb hate speech without infringing on the implied freedom of political communication under the Australian constitution.
Committee Composition and Defended Process
The committee is chaired by Labor MP Edmond Atalla and comprises four Labor MPs, Greens MP Tamara Smith, independent Philip Donato, and Nationals MP Paul Toole as the opposition representative. Notably, it includes no Liberal Party members.
In a statement, Chair Atalla defended the expedited timeline, saying it had a "clear objective of ensuring parliament can act quickly when it returns in early February." He confirmed that, given the timeframe, no public hearings would be held but claimed engagement had been "broad and substantive," with 100 stakeholders approached for submissions.
Meanwhile, the Liberals have called for a standalone inquiry with public hearings and a longer consultation period, which would include direct Liberal representation.
The phrase "intifada," from the Arabic for "uprising," refers to Palestinian revolts against Israel. The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies welcomed the move to ban its use as a "watershed moment," calling it a direct incitement to violence. Conversely, Josh Lees of the Palestine Action Group described it as an act of solidarity and suggested the premier's attempt to ban it might make it more popular.
The inquiry will also consider international approaches, including examples from the United Kingdom, where police have arrested protesters allegedly calling for intifada.
