Neo-Nazi group White Australia loses bid for court immunity from hate laws

Australia's High Court has rejected a bid by the neo-Nazi organization White Australia to temporarily shield itself from new anti-hate laws. The group had sought an injunction to prevent its designation as a prohibited hate group, which it claims would effectively render it "extinct."

Chief Justice Stephen Gageler dismissed the application for an injunction on Thursday. The organization is currently seeking to register as a political party. White Australia is also mounting a broader legal challenge against the constitutionality of the anti-hate speech laws, which were passed following the Bondi Beach mass shooting. A hearing on this matter is scheduled for September.

Arguing for the injunction, White Australia's lawyer, Peter King, contended that being labeled a prohibited hate group would result in the organization's permanent closure. "Unless restrained, there will be an extinction of the organisation," he told the court.

The group was declared a prohibited hate group in May by the home affairs minister, Tony Burke, based on advice from the spy agency Asio. Burke stated that White Australia is a successor to the National Socialist Network, which announced its disbandment when the hate laws were introduced. He asserted that the group had merely "phoenixed," changing its name and continuing operations with essentially the same members. Under the current government declaration, supporting, funding, or joining White Australia is a criminal offense.

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Unless restrained, there will be an extinction of the organisation.