The final report for the inquiry into measures to combat right-wing extremism in New South Wales. Right-wing extremism is a present and growing threat to the people of New South Wales. Right-wing extremists threaten community safety. They use violence and harassment as political tools to intimidate targets and drive them out of public life. This report details a number of incidents where they have attacked or threatened Jewish, Muslim, Indigenous and LGBTQIA+ communities, among many others. The report makes 14 findings and 12 recommendations. 

The National Socialist Network (NSN), the key neo-Nazi group operating in Australia, are a particular threat. A number of concerning displays of antisemitism and hatred organised by the NSN or attended by their members are detailed in this report. 

The Committee considered a number of possible measures to combat right-wing extremism. Combatting right-wing extremism requires a combination of tools. Laws and enforcement are needed to protect the community. Social policies are needed to divert people from the path of extremism.

The report outlines recent changes to both NSW and Commonwealth laws that aim to address the threat. It also considers the Crimes and Summary Offences Amendment Bill 2025, which is currently being considered by the NSW Parliament. 

Key findings

• Right-wing extremism erodes trust in democracy and public institutions and exploits topical grievances.
• Right-wing extremists exploit grievances with society to promote their ideas, for example grievances related to immigration, economics and gender.
• Inequality, disadvantage and social isolation can make extremism attractive to disaffected people.
• Isolated young men are at particular risk of radicalisation and are targeted by right-wing extremists.
• Right-wing extremist groups have been able to exploit gaps in existing criminal laws to promote and spread hate.

Key recommendations

• The NSW Government continue to fund and develop early intervention programs to prevent individuals from becoming radicalised.
• The NSW Government continue to fund, expand and promote Step Together and the Engagement and Support Program, in collaboration with the Australian Government.
• The NSW Government prioritise providing early intervention, disengagement, deradicalisation and support programs in regional and rural NSW.
• The NSW Government fund and support community programs and social infrastructure to address social isolation. 
• The NSW Government work with the Australian Government to ensure that social media platforms remove extremist content and that their algorithms do not promote it.