GPAHE documents growing far-right political influence, transnational connections, and persistent neo-Nazi and anti-LGBTQ+ networks
Australia’s far-right movement is expanding with extremist organizations maintaining transnational connections, while far-right political forces gain unprecedented political influence, according to the new version of GPAHE’s Australia Country report (an earlier version was published in October 2022).
The updated Far-Right Hate and Extremist Groups: Australia report examines Australia’s increasingly diverse far-right ecosystem, including neo-Nazi organizations, white nationalist groups, anti-immigrant movements, anti-LGBTQ+ groups, and far-right political parties. GPAHE’s research finds that although Australian authorities have taken significant steps to restrict extremist organizations, the country still hosts many networks, organizations, and political movements promoting far-right agendas.
The report comes as Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Party has made significant political gains. Once relegated to the political fringes, One Nation is now polling strongly and has expanded its representation. The party’s paid membership has also reportedly surged, while Hanson has increasingly participated in international far-right events.
The report also documents the continuing influence of Thomas Sewell, one of Australia’s most prominent neo-Nazis. Sewell’s National Socialist Network (NSN), European Australia Movement, and White Australia network were shuttered after being banned by new laws passed in 2026. Yet Sewell has continued promoting National Socialist ideology through international livestreams and maintaining relationships with white supremacists in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Europe.
“The normalization of anti-immigrant, anti-LGBTQ+, and white nationalist ideas is dangerously intersecting with mainstream politics, giving these movements new avenues for influence,” said Wendy Via, co-Founder of GPAHE. “The rise of One Nation should be understood within this concerning ecosystem. Political success can give extremist ideas legitimacy, reach, and staying power far beyond the organizations that originally promoted them.”
GPAHE finds that while the banning of extremist organizations can hamper their activism, it does not necessarily end their activities. Former members of Sewell’s network are fundraising to challenge the bans, while new or reconfigured organizations provide vehicles for continued organizing. GPAHE also notes that its list most likely understates the full number of far-right groups operating in Australia, and does not capture the reach of online organizing.
“Australia has demonstrated that governments can disrupt extremist organizations, but banning a group is not the same as dismantling the movement and the ideas that drive it,” said Heidi Beirich, co-Founder of GPAHE. “The Australian far right is adaptive and deeply connected across borders. Neo-Nazis can reorganize and collaborate with international allies at a keystroke. Policymakers need to address the networks and narratives driving extremism.”
The report highlights:
- One Nation is gaining unprecedented political influence. The party has expanded its representation in legislative bodies and its membership has grown. Pauline Hanson has also become increasingly integrated into international far-right networks, including speaking at CPAC London in July 2026 and appearing alongside British anti-Muslim extremist Tommy Robinson.
- Neo-Nazi networks remain transnational. Thomas Sewell has appeared on numerous livestreams with prominent far-right activists from the U.S., U.K., and Canada, while his network has maintained connections with European neo-Nazi organizations.
- Government bans have disrupted, but not eliminated, extremist networks. The National Socialist Network, European Australia Movement, and White Australia were prohibited under new legislation, with membership, funding, recruitment, or leadership potentially carrying prison sentences of up to 15 years. Former members are nevertheless challenging the bans and continuing to organize and be active in online network.
- Anti-LGBTQ+ activism remains a significant component of Australia’s far right. Organizations including the Australian Christian Lobby, FamilyVoice Australia, Binary Australia, and LGB Alliance Australia continue to campaign against LGBTQ+ rights, particularly transgender equality.
- Australia’s far right is increasingly connected to international movements. From white nationalist networks to anti-immigrant campaigns and anti-LGBTQ+ activism, Australian organizations and political figures increasingly participate in a global far-right ecosystem.
The report also places Australia’s contemporary far right within the country’s longer history of white supremacy, including white rights organizations, exclusionary immigration policies. and the dispossession and oppression of Aboriginal Australians.
GPAHE’s updated Australia report is part of the organization’s ongoing monitoring of far-right movements around the world. The research is intended to provide journalists, policymakers, civil society organizations, and researchers a detailed resource for understanding the organizations, ideologies, and networks shaping Australia’s extremist and far-right landscape.
Read GPAHE’s updated report, Far-Right Hate and Extremist Groups: Australia, here.
