A controversial slogan calling for Palestinian liberation is set to be outlawed in Queensland in a nation-first move that forms part of sweeping laws to target antisemitism.
Queensland would become the first state to expressly ban the use of the phrase "from the river to the sea", which has been widely adopted by pro-Palestinian supporters, should its parliament pass newly proposed legislation.
The slogan "globalise the intifada" will also become a proscribed phrase under the proposed laws, leaving anyone displaying or uttering the words liable for a maximum two-year prison sentence.
Queenslanders who display hate symbols, recite terrorist slogans, harass or cause damage at a place of worship could face up to seven years in prison under the planned changes.
The legislation, due to be introduced to parliament in the coming week, follows the state's rejection of a proposed federal gun buyback scheme following the 14 December Bondi terror attack.
Fifteen people were killed when two gunmen opened fire on Jewish celebrations in the deadliest attack on Australian soil since the 1996 Port Arthur tragedy.
"We called this out from the beginning, we said we'd act, and through this legislation, we are delivering a strong and considered response," Premier David Crisafulli said on Sunday.
"This is about drawing a clear line — and stamping out the embers of hatred that were allowed to burn unchecked for too long — to ensure we protect Queenslanders."
The full saying "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" is a reference to the land between the Jordan River, which borders eastern Israel, and the Mediterranean Sea to the west.
Hamas, designated a terror organisation in Australia, includes similar wording to the slogan in its constitution as part of its rejection of Israel.
Jewish organisations such as the Executive Council of Australian Jewry say the phrase "rejects Israel's right to exist and denies Jews the right to self-determination in their ancestral homeland".
But activists say those words and "globalise the intifada" are calls for Palestinian freedom and human rights, rather than violence or the destruction of Israel.
The Australian Muslim Advocacy Network last year said the phrase has been "deliberately mischaracterised", and that opens "the door for politically-driven prosecutions".
Both chants are widely used at pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Australia and other nations.
What are other states doing?
NSW is also looking to outlaw the "intifada" call but is yet to legislate the move.
The suite of reforms were unveiled on Sunday at the Queensland Holocaust Museum and welcomed by Jewish leaders.
"For the past two and a half years, the Jewish community has endured unprecedented levels of hate, intimidation and fear and the reforms send a clear message that antisemitism and hate have no place in Queensland," Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies president Jason Steinberg said.
"This is not only a welcome and necessary step for Jewish people, it is vital for rebuilding the confidence we have lost as hatred has run rampant."
State opposition multicultural affairs spokesperson Charis Mullen said Labor supported "considered" laws that tackled antisemitism and it would closely examine the proposals.
The existing Queensland ban on the display of certain symbols, such as Hakenkreuz, will be extended to include Nazi emblems, the Hamas and Islamic State flags, and the Hezbollah emblem.
The maximum penalty will also be increased from six months to two years' imprisonment.
Places of worship will also be granted additional protection.
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