The NSW Government and NSW Police have condemned the circulation of a flyer containing hate speech and inciting violence around Australia Day, describing the material as abhorrent and confirming the matter is under investigation.
The flyer follows a four-page threatening letter promising violence on Australia Day being sent to a Sydney mosque.
Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said hatred and intimidation had no place in NSW and urged the community to come together respectfully over the Australia Day long weekend.
“The Government is aware that a flyer containing hate speech inciting violence around Australia Day is currently circulating. This conduct targeting specific ethnic, religious, and political groups is abhorrent,” Mr Kamper said.
“Hatred and intimidation have no place in NSW. The NSW Police Force is investigating this matter and I hope they find the person responsible quickly and bring them to justice.”
Mr Kamper said Australia’s core values must be upheld, particularly at a time of heightened community tension.
“As we mark the Australia Day long weekend, I urge everyone to celebrate what unites us and to treat one another with respect and kindness, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or background.
“We will not allow hatred or violence to divide us. Across all cultures and faiths, we stand united.”
The comments come as NSW Police prepare for Operation Australia Day 2026, a statewide high visibility policing operation running from Friday 23 January to Monday 26 January.
The operation will include land, water, and air policing, with general duties officers supported by specialist units including the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Police Transport Command, Operations Support Group, Public Order and Riot Squad, Mounted Unit, Dog Unit, Marine Area Command, and PolAir.
Police have encouraged the public to celebrate responsibly and look out for one another during Australia Day events.
Acting Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Paul Scully said Australia Day was a time for people to come together.
“NSW Police will have a strong, highly visible presence across the state as part of Operation Australia Day to help keep communities safe,” Mr Scully said.
“We’re asking everyone to respect police directions, follow the law, and play their part so Australia Day is safe and enjoyable for all.”
Operation Australia Day Commander Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden said police would not tolerate anti-social or criminal behaviour.
“Police will have a visible presence across the state, and we ask the public to look out for one another, make responsible choices, and treat others with courtesy,” Assistant Commissioner McFadden said.
Specialist police will be authorised to carry long arm weapons at certain Australia Day events in Sydney. Authorities said the decision follows the Chanukah Massacre terrorist attack on Bondi Beach in December 2025 and is intended to provide reassurance to the community, not because of any increased threat risk.
A Public Assembly Restriction Declaration remains in place across the Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command and most of Sydney’s CBD, excluding Hyde Park. The restrictions were extended under emergency powers introduced following the Bondi Beach attack, limiting protest activity during the Australia Day period.
NSW Police have confirmed an exemption has been made for the main annual Invasion Day protest, which will be permitted to proceed under managed conditions. Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the decision aimed to strike a balance between community safety and the right to protest, noting the Invasion Day rally had historically been peaceful.
Both Pro-Palestinian and Indigenous activists have been agitating against the protest restrictions, with some going so far as to mount legal action against the laws and engaging in widespread antisemitic campaigns online opposing.
Widespread nationalist protests and events have also been promoted online for Australia Day; however, it remains unclear whether these will proceed, particularly given forecast extreme heat conditions across large parts of the country and significant bushfires in some locations. One of these was supposedly planned for Tamworth, featuring Barnaby Joyce, but Joyce and NSW Police said the poster for the event was fake and they were not aware of any such event.
A double demerit period is in effect across NSW from Friday 23 January to Monday 26 January for speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt, and motorcycle helmet offences, while major road closures and transport delays are expected during Australia Day events.
Got something you want to say about this story? Have your say on our opinion and comment hub, New England Times Engage