Opposition Advocates for Tougher Regulations on Protesters Waving Hezbollah Flags

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has called for laws allowing federal police to arrest protesters carrying Hezbollah flags during rallies in support of civilians killed in an Israeli attack on Lebanon.

During the weekend protests, some demonstrators stirred up controversy by displaying Hezbollah flags, a group designated as a terrorist organization in Australia. A few protesters even carried images of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli strike.

In 2023, federal laws were enacted making it illegal to display symbols of listed terrorist organizations, including Hezbollah. Burke suggested that the incidents from the protests over the weekend could be the first test of these laws in court.

Dutton urged the federal parliament to reconvene to strengthen laws against terrorist symbols.

“There are provisions within the existing law. If there aren’t, the prime minister should recall parliament and deal with whatever deficiency there is in the law,” Dutton told Nine’s Today program on Oct. 1.

He emphasized that such protesters should have been arrested and that a line needed to be drawn regarding visas and potential cancellations following the rallies.

“We have to be very definite about this. If people are acting outside of Australian law, if they’re acting in a way that’s inconsistent with the obligations they’ve signed up to under their visas … then their visas should be, must be, cancelled,” he said.

Meanwhile, in response to protesters inciting violence, Immigration Minister Tony Burke once again strongly reiterated his threat to cancel visas.

“I don’t want the anger and hatred from around the world being imported into Australia,” Burke told ABC Radio.

Burke also mentioned that while authorities were uncertain if rally attendees were on visas, individuals encouraging unrest would not pass Australia’s character tests.

“We do have a higher standard in Australia if you’re on a visa, as to what’s expected. If you’re on a visa in anyone’s country, you’re there as a guest, and inciting discord is a reason for me to refuse visas.”

Curbing Islamophobia

Furthermore, to address Islamophobia, the federal government has appointed a special envoy, months after appointing Australia’s first anti-Semitism envoy.

Aftab Malik, a United Nations Alliance of Civilizations “Global Expert” on Muslim affairs, has been appointed to the role.

Burke mentioned that it took a bit longer to appoint an Islamophobia envoy, stating that he approached the consultation process differently.

“Rather than starting with a name, I began by talking to people about what sort of person should fill the role, and it was through those conversations that Aftab Malik emerged,” he said.

“Importantly, the purpose of this role is not to create someone who somehow speaks for the Islamic community. This is a very targeted job for them to talk about Islamophobia, and it’s important they have the support of the community … their job is to combat Islamophobia throughout the country.”