The University of Tasmania has labelled a series of white supremacist, homophobic posters plastered around its campus as “appalling”.
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The posters, from Neo-Nazi group Antipodean Resistance which feature images of Adolf Hitler and swastikas, were found at the university’s Domain Campus.
The University was quick to condemn the attack, with a UTAS spokesperson saying any students or staff distressed by the posters should contact the institution’s support services.
“Our values commit us to a society which is just, diverse and inclusive,” they said.
“The content of these posters represents a set of views which are completely unacceptable as part of a civil community.”
Tasmania University Union president Clark Cooley said the message was a “deeply horrific” one to send to the university and wider Tasmanian community.
“Everyone has the right to be educated in a safe and supportive environment,” Mr Cooley said.
“We will always support university students, staff and our community and embrace the diversity of race, heritage, faith and sexual orientation that exists in our community.”
Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Sarah Bolt said the material was unlawful and urged anyone with information on the posters to contact her office.
“The more information I have, the better positioned I am to take action,” Ms Bolt said.
Similar attacks have already been reported at mainland institutions.
Tasmanian Liberal Senator Eric Abetz said the posters had “no place in our political discourse”.
“I condemn the actions of this fringe-dwelling national socialist group in the strongest terms and am hopeful that any posters can be removed as quickly as possible to avoid any distress from those who may come across them,” Senator Abetz said.
Tasmanians United for Marriage Equality spokesperson Robin Banks said the LGBTI community now needed the support of fellow Tasmanians more than ever.
"The messages contained in these posters are some of the most violent and homophobic we’ve seen,” she said.
“For many LGBTI people, these signs will be a very painful reminder of times when entrenched homophobia and prejudice has manifested in violence, intimidation and ostracism from their communities.
“As Tasmanians we stand together against hate, homophobia and prejudice.”
