Hate speech rules tighten for NSW school staff

“Until now, the rules haven’t been clear enough. Schools should be places where young people feel safe, respected and supported, not exposed to hate or extremism,” said the Premier.

“These changes make it absolutely clear that hate speech has no place in any NSW classroom, from any staff member, in any school and it gives the regulator clear guidelines to act.”

The changes will come into effect immediately and will apply across more than 3,000 government, independent and Catholic schools and will tighten the rules governing the conduct of all school staff, including school leaders.

Hate speech will be explicitly prohibited in the Codes of Conduct set out by all school sectors and will now apply to all members of school staff.

The rule changes follow the new hate speech legislation passed by both the state and Commonwealth governments and build on the NSW Government’s recent legislation to strengthen laws against hate speech and hate crimes.

A review into the process to assess a fit and proper person – the legal test required for school leadership – is currently underway to investigate if it is fit for purpose and whether the current standards meet community expectations.

Under the new arrangements, expectations around acceptable conduct will be made clearer in the school registration manuals.

“The vast majority of principals and teachers in NSW schools do an incredible job. They are committed to our students and their education,” said Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car.

“These common sense changes are about maintaining this high standard and giving parents peace of mind.

“When parents send their children to school in NSW, they can know they’re learning in a safe and supportive environment.”

NESA is updating its rules in early Term 1, 2026, which will require all schools to prohibit hate speech in their Codes of Conduct for all people employed at the school.