Nazi item auctions test effectiveness of Australia's hate symbol laws

Australia's laws against displaying and trading Nazi symbols are facing scrutiny after an auction house in Western Australia sold thousands of dollars worth of memorabilia this year. The federal laws, passed in December 2024, prohibit the public display of the swastika and the SS rune, carrying potential prison sentences for offenders.

A less prominent part of the legislation bans the trade of items bearing these symbols, unless they are intended for educational, academic, or scientific purposes. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) confirmed no prosecutions have occurred under this provision, which aimed to prevent profiting from "hateful ideologies."

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The big buyers of military memorabilia are Australia and the UK, Canada, the United States, and probably, France, Italy, places like that.

Jamey Blewitt, owner of Perth-based JB Military Antiques, believes his business complies with the law. He stated that Nazi memorabilia constituted up to 60% of his revenue before the laws were enacted, with about 80% sold internationally. Blewitt trades a wide range of military items, including Third Reich relics.

Blewitt initially halted sales but resumed online auctions in January through a subsidiary named "JB Military Antiques Museum." He cited the law's "educational exemption," which permits trade if a reasonable person believes the goods serve an educational purpose and are not contrary to public interest. However, AFP officers visited his shop, advising him to remove Nazi items from an upcoming auction pending clearer legal advice, leading Blewitt to comply.

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The onus was on the individual to be aware of the law.