The Human Rights Commission said it could cause freedom of speech involved.
Minns Labor Government has promoted three laws that prohibit racial hatred, displaying offensive Nazi symbols, and exhortation and harassment at places of worship.
Reform comes after a surge in anti-Semitic activities across Australia’s most populous nation-wide.
The Jewish and Muslim communities have reported an increase in threats and harassment, prompting demands for stronger legal protections.
The laws passed by the New South Wales (NSW) Congress on February 20 include the Crime Act Amendment (Racist and Religious Hatred) Bill 2025, Crime Amendment (Place of Worship) Bill 2025, and Crime Amendment (Racist) Bill 2025, and Crime Amendment (Racist). Includes Bill 2025.
A new crime to disrupt places of worship and incite hatred
The new law makes it illegal for someone to knowingly interfere or interfere with entering or leaving a place of worship without a valid reason.
They also criminalize harassment, intimidation, or threatening behavior directed at an individual who accesses or leaves a place of worship.

New South Wales Labour Prime Minister Chris Mins will speak to the media at a press conference held in Sydney, Australia on January 29, 2025. AAP Image/Steven Safore
Criminals can face a fine of up to $22,000, a maximum of two years in prison, or both.
Furthermore, the law prohibits intentional public inciting hatred against individuals or groups based on race.
The exception applies to referencing religious texts during education.
Those convicted of inciting racial hatred could face up to two years in prison, personal fines of up to $11,000 or corporate fines of up to $55,000.
Nazi symbols and hate-driven crime crackdown
The law further clarifies that graffiti is considered a “public conduct” under the definition of crime.
The more severe ruling applies to displaying Nazi symbols at synagogues, Sydney Jewish Museum, or Jewish schools.
Also, if a person’s actions are driven partially or entirely by “hate,” the sentences get worse.
“The government acted quickly in response to the disgusting behavior we saw in our state. Our legal package is a strong response to recent anti-Semitism, but people of all races too. They will protect them,” Prime Minister Chris Mins said.
Attorney General Michael Daly also said the government is “keeping that it will ensure proper community protection while maintaining the right to protest and freedom of political expression.”
The Human Rights Commission says the Hate Crime Act should be a last resort
However, the Australian Human Rights Commission warns that new laws could undermine these rights.
“They aim to prevent harm and promote equality, but they are questioning where they draw the line between harmful statements and legal representations. By the committee on February 20th Reading the statement released, there is a balance between freedom of speech and public safety.”
The committee advises that the United Nations should be a last resort reserved for severe inciting discrimination, hostility or violence, and that hate speech should be a last resort. He added.
It recommends that laws be reviewed by parliamentary committees to ensure a fair balance between free speech and public protection.