An ABC investigation has uncovered direct connections between Australian and overseas Neo-Nazi groups, showing how Australian extremists have drawn inspiration, strategies, and even direct guidance from banned organisations abroad. This is a summary of the article.
Origins & Overseas Influence:
Australian groups such as Antipodean Resistance, a predesessor to the National Socialist Network (NSN), was shaped by online forums like Iron March, which also produced violent groups overseas (e.g., Atomwaffen Division, National Action).
Leaked messages reveal Australians sought to emulate National Action in the UK, even meeting founders and adopting tactics such as propaganda posters and street demonstrations.
Some Australians communicated directly with foreign extremists, including convicted Atomwaffen (now the National Socialist Organisation) founder Brandon Russell.
Modern Groups:
Today, the NSN, led by Thomas Sewell and Jacob Hersant, is the country’s most visible Neo-Nazi group, with a structured membership and a mix of political activism, propaganda, and public rallies.
It has recently grown bolder, staging anti-immigration rallies and attacking First Nations protest Camp Sovereignty in Naarm (Melbourne), injuring several people, including local Aboriginal women.
Community & Expert Concerns:
Multicultural and advocacy groups describe a “climate of fear”, calling for the NSN to be banned.
Experts warn these groups seek legitimacy and recruitment through shock tactics, while the greatest threat of violence comes from individuals on the fringe inspired by extremist ideology.
Authorities’ Position:
Despite overseas groups being proscribed as terrorist organisations, no Australian-based Neo-Nazi group has been banned.
Police and security agencies monitor such groups, but note their activities often skirt the line of legality.
ASIO warns the far-right is trying to “mainstream” its movement, with lone actors posing the highest risk of terrorist attacks.
Key Takeaway: Australia’s far-right Neo-Nazi movement is increasingly emboldened, borrowing strategies from banned overseas groups while exploiting legal grey zones at home. Authorities and communities warn of growing risks to social cohesion, especially from individuals radicalised at the fringes.
According to the listing process (see details in petition), we need to convince the Ministry for the Australian Federal Police that the actions of the NSN meet legislative and non-legislative criteria to be listed as a terrorist organisation. The AFP Minister will then write separately to the PM, the opposition leader and state and territory First Ministers to seek their agreement to have the organisation listed.
BUT I propose that we bipass this protracted beuracratic listing protocol and appeal directly to all interested parties who can and should make a decision to list, ban and prosecute the NSN for acts of terrorism.
This why this petition is directed to the PM and the AG of Australia, the Department of Home Affairs, ASIO, the AFP Minister and the Australian Government Solicitor to have NSN listed as a terrorist organisation and prosecuted under counter-terrorism laws IMMEDIATELY as a matter of urgency; to safeguard the lives of all affected Australians and to avoid Christchurch (2019) or Norway (2011) neo Nazi terrorist mass killings on Australian soil.