UPDATE: A senior member of the neo-Nazi group responsible for an anti-Jewish protest outside the New South Wales (NSW) Parliament may face immediate deportation back to South Africa. This urgent move comes as NSW’s top bureaucrat warns public servants expressing white supremacist views could face termination from their positions.
Matthew Gruter, a key figure in the National Socialist Network (NSN), is under scrutiny by the Department of Home Affairs. Officials are reportedly preparing a brief for the Albanese government to review Gruter’s visa status, which could be addressed as early as Monday. Gruter, a civil engineer employed by multinational firm Aurecon, participated in a rally last Saturday where approximately 60 neo-Nazis gathered in black clothing to promote their agenda.
It has been revealed that Gruter has resided in Australia for about three years with his influencer wife. His involvement in the NSN is alarming; he has been photographed leading training sessions and wearing a silver wristband emblazoned with “blood and honour,” a phrase linked to the Hitler Youth.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has signaled a tougher stance on foreign nationals inciting discord, stating, “People who live here have rights to freedom of speech within Australia, but we get to choose if someone’s coming here with the intention of … inciting discord.” Burke’s comments reflect a growing urgency within his department to take action against individuals promoting hate speech.
In a separate but related development, Simon Draper, the secretary of the NSW Premier’s Department, issued a warning to the state’s approximately 460,000 public servants. He emphasized that any public display of Nazi views could result in immediate dismissal. Draper stressed, “It is simply inconsistent with our job to publicly express hostility or hatred toward some sections of our community.”
This statement follows reports that at least one government employee was among the neo-Nazis at the rally. Notably, Cooper Stephens, a train guard for Sydney Trains, has been stood down while an investigation is underway regarding his participation in the protest. According to Sydney Trains, “we are very concerned with the matter,” indicating their commitment to addressing potential hate-related issues within their workforce.
Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, welcomed Draper’s firm stance on the situation. He underscored that “Nazism is not a point of view or a political movement. It is the treasonous worship of genocide and race war.” Ryvchin called for employers to protect their staff and the public from individuals who advocate for violence against non-white communities.
The urgency surrounding Gruter’s potential deportation reflects a broader societal commitment to countering hate speech and extremist ideologies. As authorities assess the implications of his actions, the situation remains fluid, and further developments are anticipated in the coming days.
Stay tuned as more updates unfold regarding the status of Matthew Gruter and the actions being taken by NSW officials to address these serious concerns.
