The number of items imported into Australia bearing Nazi imagery has not been slowed by a national ban on the symbols, as the glare goes on federal authorities over their response to right-wing extremists.
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A parliamentary committee will question the Department of Home Affairs, ASIO and federal police on Wednesday about how violent extremism was being tackled and the threat it poses to Australia.
A rising number of goods entering the country bearing imagery linked to nationalist and racist violent extremism groups is alarming the Department of Home Affairs.
In its submission to the hearing, the department said large numbers of items bearing Nazi symbols were still being imported, despite a federal ban in January.
The ban prohibits the display of symbols linked with Nazis and the sale of items displaying the imagery.
"The importation into Australia of Nazi memorabilia, both historically genuine items and modern recreations, has not abated with the passage of (ban)," the submission said.
"Where these goods are imported in quantities which indicates the goods are likely to be traded, the Australian Border Force refers the goods to the Australian Federal Police to consider investigation under the criminal code."
Home Affairs said it was also concerned by members of extremists groups moving off traditional social media platforms.
"While mainstream digital and social media platforms are maturing their moderation efforts, terrorists and violent extremists are migrating to niche and 'alt-tech' platforms that are either unable or unwilling to effectively moderate content," the submission said.
The country's domestic spy agency said nationalist and racist violent extremists carrying out attacks overseas were resonating with members of extremist groups in Australia.
ASIO's submission said online platforms remained enablers of radicalisation.
"Over the last 18 months, we have seen an uptick in the number of (extremists) advocating sabotage in private conversations both here and overseas," the agency said.
"It is particularly pronounced among extremist) 'accelerationists', meaning extremists who want to trigger a so-called 'race war'."
The Islamophobia Register Australia and the Human Rights Commission give evidence about extremists in Australia at the hearing.
Australian Associated Press
