A man wearing a t-shirt displaying a swastika has been directed to leave the area outside the Royal Commission into antisemitism and the Bondi attack in Sydney.
NSW Police approached the individual at about 11am after he was seen near the venue.
He was issued with a move-on order but was not arrested.
The incident unfolded on the third day of public hearings, as the commission heard evidence from Jewish Australians about their experiences of antisemitism.
The man, who identified himself to police as 68-year-old Ian Minus from Killarney Heights, had been sitting at a nearby café before walking past media crews in the area.
Police were alerted to the shirt, which featured a swastika painted in the colours of the Israeli flag and surrounding the Star of David – alongside a slogan referencing antisemitism.
Under the swastika, on the t-shirt read: “Anti-Semitism. Proud to be accused. Speak up!”.
When questioned about his presence near the commission, he denied any link to the hearing.
“I have business in town, and I wear this all the time,” he said.
He was asked about the legality of displaying the symbol in public under New South Wales laws introduced in 2022.
“Is this clearly a swastika? When social media is censored in such a way, this is the only form of protest that I can do.”
The man also attempted to justify the message on his clothing by referring to overseas conflict.
“We’re talking about the genocide in Gaza, the six wars that Israel has performed around the world. I can’t sit by and watch this happen,” he said.
He maintained he was not there to target the Commission or those giving evidence.
“Is there a Royal Commission here? I’m sorry, I’m just enjoying a cup of coffee in the streets of Sydney,” he said.
The exchange continued as he was questioned about the connection between his actions and the inquiry.
“I’m sitting in the street, in a public street,” he said.
“What is disrespectful is what’s happening in Gaza and Lebanon and overseas – the killing of innocent people and children.
“What is it about group punishment that Zionists don’t understand or object to?”
Police later confirmed they had issued a move-on direction and would investigate the display of the symbol.
Police also said the matter involving the man would be assessed as part of their investigation into the display of prohibited symbols.
No charges have been laid as yet, with a NSW Police spokesperson saying the man complied with a move-on direction after he was spotted wearing “clothing which allegedly displayed an offensive slogan”.
“Inquiries are ongoing in respect of the alleged offensive conduct,” the spokesperson said.
In 2022, New South Wales parliament passed laws making it a criminal offence to knowingly display a Nazi symbol in public without a reasonable excuse.
Following the incident, a spokesperson from the Royal Commission released a statement wanting to assure witnesses of their safety.
“The Royal Commission is appalled that such an item of clothing was worn in the vicinity of our hearing venue,” the statement read.
“Safety of witnesses is paramount to the Royal Commission. We want to reassure witnesses and those wishing to engage with the Royal Commission that safety protocols are in place.
“The Royal Commission is determined to investigate antisemitism in Australia without fear or intimidation.”