A racist banner displayed by members of the neo-Nazi group, the National Socialist Network (NSN), at Northland Shopping Centre in Melbourne has been condemned as “cowardly” by Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan.
The group, reportedly gathered in the early hours of June 1, unfurled the offensive banner beneath the shopping centre’s entrance around 3:30 a.m. Dressed in black and with their faces obscured, the individuals were photographed during the incident. The banner’s contents, deemed explicitly racist, have not been shared by BACKCOVERNEWS.COM.
Premier Allan swiftly condemned the act, calling the behaviour “disgusting” and unequivocally stating that it would not be tolerated in Victoria.
“This is disgusting behaviour by a group of cowards who seek to do nothing more than intimidate and spread hatred — we will not stand for it,” she said. “I strongly condemn this hateful, extremist behaviour and it has no place here in Victoria.”
Victoria Police confirmed that they are aware of the incident and are investigating the display of the offensive banner. “An investigation into the incident is underway,” a police spokesperson said.
“There is absolutely no place for antisemitic, racist or hate-based behaviour in our society and police will not tolerate such activity.”
Premier Allan also highlighted the government’s legislative efforts to combat hate speech and extremist behaviour, which include new laws making it illegal to display Nazi symbols and gestures.
“Now we are unmasking Nazis through our protest laws, and we are making it impossible for them to function by putting their vilifying threats and incitements in the Crimes Act — where they belong,” she said.
In response to the incident, a spokesperson for Vicinity Centres, the managing company for Northland Shopping Centre, confirmed that the group briefly gathered outside the closed centre before security promptly informed the police.
“We understand that a group briefly gathered outside the closed centre in the early hours of Sunday morning, well outside trading hours. Security informed police immediately.
Vicinity strongly condemns any behaviour that incites division or violence within our community. Such actions are unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” the spokesperson said.
This incident follows a series of high-profile displays of neo-Nazi activity across the country. In April, members of the NSN disrupted an Anzac Day ceremony in Naarm, booing a Welcome to Country performed by Bunurong Elder Uncle Mark Brown.
Additionally, in January 2023, 15 men and a youth, all members of the NSN, were arrested at an Australia Day rally in Adelaide, facing multiple charges including loitering, resisting arrest, and possessing articles of disguise.
The incident at Northland Shopping Centre serves as a stark reminder that, despite Victoria’s progress towards inclusivity, hate speech and extremism remain persistent threats.
The state government’s condemnation of these actions, alongside police efforts and corporate responses, highlights a collective commitment to standing against these destructive behaviours and protecting social harmony.
