Feb 19 • 05:49 UTC 🇦🇺 Australia Guardian Australia

Afternoon Update: art posters test hate symbol laws; Wellington’s sewage ‘catastrophe’; and when sleep tricks go wrong

Police in Canberra have seized art posters depicting world leaders in Nazi uniforms for investigation under hate symbol laws.

In Canberra, ACT police have declared a local music venue a crime scene after confiscating art posters that displayed prominent figures, including Donald Trump and Elon Musk, in Nazi uniforms. The posters have sparked controversy and are under review to determine if they violate newly enacted hate symbol laws established following the Bondi terror attack. David Howe, the owner of Dissent cafe, argues that the artwork expresses an anti-fascist sentiment rather than a promotion of hate.

The incident has garnered attention from political leaders as well, with ACT senator David Pocock emphasizing the delicate balance between protecting society from hate symbols and allowing freedom of expression through peaceful protest. This situation highlights ongoing conversations about the complexities of hate speech laws and their implications for artistic expression.

In related news, the update also mentions severe issues in Wellington, where millions of litres of raw sewage have been discharged into the ocean, leading to public outcry. Additionally, the overall political climate continues to be stirred with warnings against the Liberal Party's potential alignment with far-right factions, exemplifying the intricate dynamics of current Australian politics.

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