Kellie Sloane
Leader of the Opposition
NSW Liberal Leader
Damien Tudehope
Shadow Attorney General
The use of council-controlled facilities for activities deemed antisemitic will be prohibited under an amendment to the Local Government Act to be moved by the NSW Liberals and Nationals.
The amendment to the Local Government Act 1993 would prohibit the use of council-controlled land or facilities by any person or organisation reasonably suspected of being likely to engage in antisemitic activities with consideration given to the use of the phrases “globalise the Intifada” and “from the river to the sea”.
The amendments would draw on elements of the Prevention of Antisemitism Bill 2026 introduced by NSW Liberals and Nationals in February which adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism.
Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said social cohesion is at the core of the change.
“This is not some harmless phrase; it is an incitement to hatred and violence against the Jewish community, and allowing its use in a council-controlled venue puts at risk everything we have done to promote social cohesion,” Ms Sloane said.
“By prohibiting antisemitic events in council venues, the Liberals and Nationals are drawing a line unlike the Premier who can’t even pick up the phone to Clover Moore.”
“This amendment will ensure local government has to take action against divisive events like Tuesday’s forum.”
Shadow Attorney General Damien Tudehope said considering events such as tonight’s public forum hosted by Stop The War in Palestine, action cannot wait.
“The amendment is directed at antisemitic activities because antisemitism is a real current threat to the wellbeing of the Jewish community in New South Wales,” Mr Tudehope said.
“Antisemitism has no place in our community. No local government facility should be made available to those wishing to promote the destruction of the Jewish people.”