Australian neo-Nazi group included women bashers, stalkers, drug dealers and accused paedophile
Sydney Morning Herald
by Michael McGowanFebruary 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Australian neo-Nazi group known as the National Socialist Network (NSN), which gained notoriety for organizing anti-Semitic rallies and attempting to establish itself as a political party, has been revealed to include members with serious criminal records. The group's leadership sought to rebrand themselves as a mainstream force by disbanding in January to avoid being designated a hate group under new laws introduced after the Bondi mass shooting. However, its former members remain active within Australia’s far-right scene, continuing to participate in anti-immigration protests and promoting ideologies that mask their true nature.
An investigation uncovered that NSN's membership included individuals with histories of domestic violence, drug dealing, stalking, and even an accused paedophile. For instance, Jamie McGowan, a serial domestic violence offender, was part of the group and had been involved in violent altercations, including incidents where he physically assaulted his partner and children were present. Court records revealed graphic details of his aggression, with him threatening to harm his partner severely during a heated argument.
Despite claims by NSN's leadership, such as Jack Eltis, that the group enforced strict discipline and removed members linked to criminality, evidence shows otherwise. The group’s online propaganda often framed itself as a movement of "honorable" individuals while leveraging racist narratives about migrant crime to attract attention. This image contrasts sharply with the reality of its membership, which included multiple individuals with restraining orders against them for violent or abusive behavior.
The NSN's history raises significant concerns about the potential impact of far-right movements on society. Its ability to recruit and retain members with criminal histories underscores the dangers of such groups normalizing violence and hatred. The case highlights the importance of vigilance in monitoring these ideologies, particularly their attempts to gain mainstream legitimacy through rebranding or political aspirations.
The broader implications of this situation are clear: far-right groups like NSN do not simply pose a threat through their rhetoric but through the actions of their members. The inclusion of serious criminals within such movements adds another layer of danger, as it blurs the lines between extremist ideology and actual harm to individuals and communities. This story serves as a stark reminder of why such groups must be closely monitored and understood to prevent further harm.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/22/2026