Joint Police Statement
This is a joint media release between NSW Police, Northern Territory Police, Queensland Police Service, South Australia Police, Victoria Police, Western Australia Police, Tasmania Police and the Australian Federal Police.
Police respect the right to peacefully protest and assemble in Australia, however, there will be no tolerance for illegal behaviour or violence on any day of the year.
In Australia, there are offences that prohibit behaviour that incites or advocates violence or hatred based on race and religion, including the display of prohibited symbols in public under these circumstances.
It is also a serious offence to counsel, promote, encourage, urge, instruct or praise terrorism.
There is a range of State and Commonwealth legislation that can be used by police to uphold community safety and maintain social cohesion.
Law enforcement agencies across Australia work together to share information, intelligence and evidence relating to criminal activity.
Police are lock-step in keeping Australians safe, and continue to work with all Australians, visitors, stakeholders, community leaders and leaders of faith to ensure Australian laws are understood.
Police are planning and preparing for upcoming protests in some states and territories.