A New South Wales parliamentary inquiry has recommended banning the phrase “globalise the intifada” only when it is used to incite hatred, harassment, intimidation or violence, stopping short of an outright ban.
The Labor-led committee, chaired by Labor MP Edmond Atalla, confirmed the draft recommendations ahead of the inquiry’s final meeting, with the report set to be tabled to the state government on Friday.
The recommendation follows heightened political pressure after the Bondi terror attack, with NSW Premier Chris Minnspreviously signalling support for a ban on the phrase.
However, the inquiry does not recommend banning other controversial slogans such as “from the river to the sea”, and warns any legislation must include a clear causal link between the phrase and specific harm to avoid constitutional challenges.
NSW Opposition figures criticised the findings, arguing the recommendation adds confusion by targeting conduct already covered under existing provisions of the Crimes Act. Shadow attorney general Damien Tudehope said the proposal risks implying other uses of the phrase are acceptable.
The inquiry heard submissions from Jewish community organisations calling for broader bans on what they described as hateful slogans, while groups including the Jewish Council of Australia, Palestine Action Group and the Australian National Imams Council opposed restrictions, citing free speech concerns.
Constitutional law expert Anne Twomey warned banning specific political chants raised complex legal issues, though she said the inquiry’s recommendation was safer than an outright prohibition.
The state government is expected to consider the report when parliament resumes next week, with Minns saying he would comment further after reviewing its findings.
“It’s not about democracy”: NSW Attorney General doubles down on phrase ban
The New South Wales state government remains determined to ban use of the phrase “globalise the intifada” despite most submissions to an inquiry about the move opposing the ban.
When asked about the apparent opposition to the ban, New South Wales Attorney General Michael Daley told reporters on Sunday contradicted an inquiry report that noted the opposition saying “I’m not sure that’s the case.”
Daley noted that the inquiry received 700 submissions, of which 155 are public.
It’s not about democracy. Just because a lot of people want to keep doing something that’s unacceptable doesn’t mean it’s the right thing for a government to do it.
