ello (@piers)

Update: "Prevention methods to tackle radicalisation are being discussed by experts at a NSW inquiry into measures to combat right-wing extremism. The state's law and safety committee is investigating the threat right-wing extremist movements pose to the wider community, including to members they try to recruit. "The inquiry was announced following a demonstration by around 60 Neo-Nazis on the steps of NSW parliament in early November. "Counterterrorism expert Julian Droogan told the inquiry extremist groups were part of a broader social problem. 'It's an issue which is only the tip of a much larger iceberg in Australia and internationally,' he said. "In his submission, Professor Droogan described the issue as 'profound and complex', requiring a raft of new intervention and prevention policies, such as disengagement programs. "It will consider Australian and international best practice on combating extremism and hear from 50 speakers. "Michele Grossman from Deakin University said one of the most powerful tools used to prevent right-wing extremism was wider education. Professor Grossman said early signs of radicalisation were often seen first by family and close friends. "'Any program, education initiative or campaign that we develop really needs to be developed to target not just individuals but those around them,' she said. "The hearing heard evidence about the need for more youth opportunities to act as a counteroffer to extremism. "'What is the social agenda here, what are social democratic resilience building programs on offer?' Professor Droogan said. "He noted the Community Partnership Action Program (COMPACT) — a state government-funded initiative designed to counter violent extremism by building community resilience. "More recently, the state program Step Together was in the process of being rolled out to schools nationally. Professor Grossman said it provided support to many schools who 'argue that it is not their responsibility to monitor for extremism'. "Western Sydney University's Rachel Sharples said the program had the potential to 'capture a larger base'. "'We certainly don't want to see it get bigger,' Dr Sharples said of extremism. "The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) backed the inquiry's efforts to address antisemitism within the wider scope of right-wing extremism, but warned proposed new laws could have unintended consequences. ACL director of federal politics, Mark Davis, argued the Crimes and Summary Offences Amendment Bill 2025 contained 'serious flaws'. "'It employs vague definitions and low bar legal tests, which could be misused to target innocent Australians expressing genuine political speech or undertaking actions which are not extremist,' he said. "'By framing this inquiry as targeting right-wing extremism, there is concern some activists may try to conflate mainstream Christian teaching with extremism,' he said. "Australian Federation of Islamic Councils board member Keysar Trad also expressed concerns, saying 'criminalising language' could risk turning 'political expression by law-abiding, non-violent citizens into a crime'. "'We do not seek more bans. We seek the protection of the safety valve of speech,' he said. "[...] Australia's Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Jillian Segal told the inquiry right-wing extremists were becoming increasingly emboldened and professionalised. "'They are highly organised and in recent decades the development of the internet and many apps have helped them in terms of communications,' she said. 'They have had a revival amongst many young people that have turned to their ideology.'" Digby Werthmuller, ABC #ACL #NSN https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-18/prevention-methods-discussed-at-nsw-far-right-extremism-inquiry/106359330