From today, all NSW school staff, including principals, must follow tougher conduct rules that clearly ban hate speech in every school setting.
The move follows the Albanese Government’s announcement of a new ‘Antisemitism Education Taskforce’ in December to ensure Australia’s education system is better equipped to prevent, confront and respond to antisemitism in the wake of the tragic Bondi Beach terrorist attack.
Under the new conduct rules, announced by NSW Premier Chris Minns today, hate speech will be explicitly prohibited in the Codes of Conduct set out by all school sectors and will now apply to all members of school staff.
“Until now, the rules haven’t been clear enough,” Minns said in a statement today. “Schools should be places where young people feel safe, respected and supported, not exposed to hate or extremism.”
Minns said the reforms were about closing gaps in accountability and ensuring consistent standards across all schools.
“These changes make it absolutely clear that hate speech has no place in any NSW classroom, from any staff member, in any school and it gives the regulator clear guidelines to act.”
The changes, which come into effective immediately, close a clear gap in existing guidance, which does not adequately address the incitement of hate speech, and make unequivocally clear that engaging in hate speech will not be tolerated by any NSW school.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said the new rules reflect the high standards already upheld by most educators.
“The vast majority of principals and teachers in NSW schools do an incredible job. They are committed to our students and their education,” Carr said.
“These common sense changes are about maintaining this high standard and giving parents peace of mind. When parents send their children to school in NSW, they can know they’re learning in a safe and supportive environment.”
NESA is updating its rules in early Term 1, 2026, which will require all schools to prohibit hate speech in their Codes of Conduct for all people employed at the school.