Family criticises national extremist helpline after unhelpful referral for neo-Nazi relative

The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion heard from a woman who contacted the federally funded Step Together hotline after becoming alarmed by a young relative’s neo-Nazi views. She was redirected to a police-led intervention program, which she felt was an inappropriate first step and left her feeling her needs were unmet. She also criticized the Step Together website for being vague, hard to navigate, and lacking details on far-right extremist groups.

Heather Jackson, representing the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, explained that the service does not directly refer callers to community-led programs because it does not endorse specific providers and that specialist options are scarce in some jurisdictions. The woman subsequently sought help through the Exit Australia initiative, receiving a referral to an interstate psychologist who advised her on managing the moral dilemma of supporting a family member with extremist beliefs. The commission has adjourned, with its final hearing block scheduled to begin on Monday.