High court rejects neo-Nazi group's request to block hate-group designation

A neo-Nazi organization lost its attempt to obtain a temporary court order that would have prevented its designation as a prohibited hate group. The group had argued that the listing would end its operations. The organization is also contesting the constitutionality of anti-hate speech laws enacted after the Bondi Beach mass shooting.

A two-day hearing on that challenge is scheduled for September.

Background on the designation The home affairs minister declared the group a prohibited hate group in May after receiving advice from spy agency Asio. Officials said the group had previously operated as the National Socialist Network, announced its disbandment when the laws were introduced, and then continued under the new name with largely the same members.

Under the designation, it is a crime to support, fund, or join the organization. The group had been seeking to register as a political party while pursuing the court challenge.

Court proceedings The group's lawyer told the high court that the listing would permanently shut the organization down. The chief justice dismissed the request for an injunction on Thursday.