New law to give police power to refuse ‘hate’ protests
Sydney Morning Herald
by Michael PhilippsFebruary 15, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Cook Government is set to introduce new laws in Western Australia that grant police the authority to refuse protest permits if they are deemed likely to promote hatred or incite violence. The proposed legislation aims to balance the right to peaceful assembly with efforts to combat harassment, intimidation, and violent behavior. Under the bill, protests can be denied based on factors such as religion, race, disability, gender, sexuality, or ethnicity. Additionally, it extends existing prohibitions on Nazi symbols to include representations of other banned organizations and applies these restrictions to juveniles. The measure also bans face coverings worn to intimidate others unless for health, occupational safety, religious, cultural, or artistic purposes. Providing false information during permit applications will now be considered an offense.
The government asserts that the laws are designed to protect public safety while preserving the constitutional right to peaceful protest. Police Minister Reece Whitby highlighted that Western Australia has historically maintained a tradition of peaceful demonstrations, contrasting it with more volatile situations elsewhere. Premier Roger Cook emphasized that the legislation targets harmful behaviors like violence and harassment, aiming to uphold social cohesion and ensure a safe community.
Critics, including Sophie McNeill from the WA Greens, have raised concerns about the potential for these laws to be misapplied. They worry that broad definitions could lead to restrictions on legitimate protests, such as those opposing policies or figures viewed negatively by authorities. McNeill questioned whether protests against actions like "Israel’s genocide" or against visiting dignitaries could be unfairly targeted. She warned of the risks to free speech and assembly if the legislation is not carefully drafted.
The proposed Public Order Legislation Amendment Bill will be introduced in parliament this week. Existing safeguards, such as the right to appeal permit rejections to the State Administrative Tribunal, remain intact. The government maintains that these measures are necessary to prevent hate-fueled violence and maintain a harmonious society, while opponents argue that they could undermine democratic rights if not narrowly tailored.
This issue is significant globally, as it highlights the delicate balance between public safety and individual freedoms. It raises important questions about how societies address hate speech and contentious protests without stifling legitimate dissent or infringing on fundamental rights. The outcome of this legislation will likely set
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/15/2026