New South Wales Premier Chris Minns is confronting accusations of delivering contradictory directives to law enforcement regarding potential bans on the phrase “globalise the Intifada.
The controversy emerged following the arrest and subsequent release of a 53-year-old woman during a Sydney CBD protest. The individual was detained for wearing apparel displaying the contentious expression but was later freed without formal charges. NSW Police have confirmed their investigation into the incident remains active.
This event has ignited debate over proposed reforms to hate speech legislation, which Premier Minns has advocated following the Bondi Beach terror attack. The government is contemplating outlawing the phrase, drawing inspiration from similar enforcement actions observed in London.
Greens MLC and Law and Justice Spokesperson Sue Higginson criticized the Premier’s approach, stating: “Leaders and premiers shouldn’t send signals and messages about law and order without playing clear, firm attention to the actual laws in NSW.” She emphasized that approximately 19,000 uniformed officers receive these “significantly poor and mixed messages” while attempting to perform their duties.
The phrase itself has become a flashpoint in free speech debates. While some Jewish groups contend the term “Intifada” promotes violence, others note its Arabic translation simply means “shaking off” and originates from popular uprisings in Palestinian territories.
Sydney Law School’s Professor of Criminal Law Tyrone Kichengast warned that such legislation might encroach upon constitutional rights to political communication. He noted that a legal challenge to NSW’s anti-protest laws is already progressing toward the Supreme Court, with potential implications for nationwide jurisprudence.
The state government has initiated a parliamentary inquiry into expanding hate speech legislation, with findings expected by January 31. Police Minister Yasmin Catley assured that officers would receive necessary training, while critics question whether sufficient guidance has been provided during this transitional period.