iscover
The NSW government has passed legislation strengthening penalties for vandals who seriously damage war memorials.
The Crimes Legislation Amendment (War Memorial Offences) Bill 2025 passed Parliament on 22 October, creating an aggravated offence of intentional or reckless property damage or destruction applying to war memorials.
It increases the maximum penalty from five to seven years’ imprisonment for intentionally or recklessly damaging a war memorial.
The bill also amended the Summary Offences Act to allow the court to order a convicted person to pay up to $4,400 in compensation for any loss or damage caused. This discretionary order means local councils, the Returned and Services Leagues or other community organisations that maintain war memorials will not have to foot the bill for remediation.
“This legislation demonstrates this government’s commitment to our veterans and their families and honouring their service and sacrifice,” NSW Minister for Veterans David Harris said.
“The strengthened provisions will ensure those who act inappropriately and desecrate the memories of veterans will feel the full weight of the law.
“We’ve listened to veterans and acted.”
There has been a spate of attacks on war memorials within the last year, including pro-Palestine graffiti sprayed at the Australian War Memorial and vandalism of the Dandenong Cenotaph & Pillars of Freedom shrine in 2024.
“The passage of this important legislation sends the clear message that the vandalism of our war memorials is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” NSW Attorney-General Michael Daley said.
“It provides the strongest possible penalties for this unacceptable conduct and also means local organisations will not be left with the bill to repair any damage caused.”
