MPs likely to return to parliament to deal with proposed laws

David Ossip, chairman of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, said he supported the government taking action to ban more Nazi slogans and symbols but also expected police to use the powers they already have against those who attended the neo-Nazi rally on Saturday.

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Earlier this week, Labor MPs appeared divided over proposed legislative changes, with one of them saying banning slogans, symbols and emblems used by far-right groups was tantamount to a “game of whack-a-mole”.

Coalition sources confirmed that use of the reserve week was discussed. Emphasizing that plans may change, officials said it looks like MPs will sit next Friday, with another day or two potentially needed the following week. A senior Coalition source said a smaller quorum of five or six MPs would be required to pass the legislation.

Expectations for a return were raised after the government failed to pass workers’ compensation reforms early Friday. Labor sources expected the government would try to pass the law once again before the end of the year.

The government’s ability to ban the National Socialist Network was limited by the Supreme Court’s 1950 decision rejecting then-prime minister Robert Menzies’ attempt to outlaw the Communist Party.

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