Racist Flyers Spark Outrage in Newcastle: ‘White Australia’ Propaganda Distributed in Letterboxes as Police Launch Investigation
- Residents in the inner-city suburb of Cooks Hill were left shocked and horrified after discovering racist flyers in their letterboxes.
- The flyers, deemed “offensive” by police, advocate for a “white Australia” and mention “the organising of white Australians” in a disturbing call to action.
- NSW Premier Chris Minns has condemned the flyers, warning that those behind the letterbox drop will face consequences, with the state government having recently introduced legislation to combat racial hatred.
- Police are urging anyone with information to come forward as they work to track down the culprits behind the vile propaganda.
In a disturbing development, residents in the inner-city suburb of Cooks Hill, Newcastle, have been left reeling after discovering racist flyers in their letterboxes. The flyers, which have been deemed “offensive” by police, advocate for a “white Australia” and mention “the organising of white Australians” in a call to action that has sparked widespread outrage.
One Cooks Hill resident, who wished to remain anonymous, described the flyers as “sickening” and revealed that she was taking steps to ensure her household was safe. “I’m online now looking at CCTV cameras,” she said. “It makes me feel like I need to be better prepared for next time.”
Another resident reported seeing a man distributing a bag full of flyers in the early evening. “I heard somebody placing something in my letterbox around 6:00 last night and about a minute later I went out to see what it was and was alarmed,” she said. “I was just horrified … I think it’s gutless to be [walking around] in the dark, spreading this vile hatred.”
In a scathing condemnation of the flyers, NSW Premier Chris Minns warned that those behind the letterbox drop would face consequences. “I am aware of them and they are an incitement to racial hatred,” Mr Minns said. “They are generally being distributed anonymously, but we will do everything in our power to track down those responsible.”
The NSW government recently introduced legislation to combat racial hatred, making it a crime to intentionally and publicly incite hatred towards another person or group of people on the grounds of race. The offence carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment.
State Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp also spoke out against the flyers, describing them as “disturbing”. “I am appalled someone is doing that in our community here in Newcastle. Racism has no place in our community,” he said. “We’ve just had a major [terrorism] incident in New South Wales and it’s really disappointing.”
Police are urging anyone with information about the flyers to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.