New South Wales has proposed legislation to ban the chant "globalize the intifada," force removal of face coverings at protests, and prohibit ISIS flags and extremist symbols after a deadly Hanukkah shooting at Bondi Beach that killed at least 15 people. Penalties could include fines and up to two years in prison. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said intelligence points to an ISIS-inspired attack and announced a gun buyback and a national day of reflection. The measures are part of broader efforts to curb radicalisation and respond to rising antisemitism.
NSW Moves to Ban 'Globalize the Intifada' Chant and Masked Protesters After Bondi Beach Attack
Rabbi Yossi Friedman leads a tribute for the victims of a mass shooting during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach Dec. 14, in Sydney, Australia, Dec. 20, 2025.
The Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) has proposed new legislation to outlaw public chanting of the phrase "globalize the intifada" and to give police broader powers at demonstrations following a deadly Hanukkah shooting at Bondi Beach.
Details of the Proposal
NSW Premier Chris Minns said the measures would allow police to require protesters to remove face coverings so individuals can be identified, and would prohibit public displays of ISIS flags and other extremist symbols. Under the proposal, offences could carry fines and up to two years' imprisonment.
Police inspect the site of a shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney Dec. 15, 2025.
"Hate speech or incitement of hatred has no place in our society," Minns told reporters, adding that recent events showed the chant "globalize the intifada" amounted to hate speech and encouraged violence.
Federal Reaction and Broader Measures
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said intelligence assessments supported the conclusion that the Bondi Beach shooting was inspired by ISIS. He announced a gun buyback scheme and a national "day of reflection" in response to the attack. The federal government has also pledged to consider widening the legal definition of hate speech offences to curb radicalisation and extremist messaging.
The proposed state measures come after a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach was attacked, leaving at least 15 people dead. The incident has intensified concerns about rising antisemitism in Australia following Hamas' October 7 attacks on Israel.
A woman kneels and prays at a flower memorial to shooting victims outside the Bondi Pavilion at Sydney's Bondi Beach Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, a day after a shooting.
Among those killed was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a prominent Jewish community leader who had written to the prime minister months earlier warning about increasing antisemitic incidents and urging action.
Context and Next Steps
Authorities say the proposals aim to confront extremist propaganda and public displays that may incite violence. The legislation must pass through NSW’s parliamentary process before becoming law, and public debate is expected over balancing public safety, free speech, and protest rights.
Reporting draws on statements from NSW government officials and national leaders; international and local press agencies provided corroborating coverage.
