NSW Fines for Damaging, Littering, or Misbehaving in the Memorial Area

Anzac Memorial Bill 2025

27 Nov 2025: Passed by Parliament and signed off by the governor.

This bill kicks in: TBA

Legislative Assembly

Legislative Council

Assent

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Topics

board governance commercial activity criminal penalties land use memorial management memorial protection police powers public monuments public order public safety vandalism +6 more

Introduced by: The Hon John Graham MLC (ALP); The Hon David Harris MP (ALP)

Links to official parliament websites

Official page: progress through parliament

Official page: bill text and explanatory notes

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

It is a criminal offence to intentionally or recklessly damage or deface the Anzac Memorial area, punishable by a fine of up to 40 penalty units (2026: $4,400).
People cannot sell or hire goods and services in the memorial building without written approval from The Trustees; doing so, or running a business, drinking alcohol, or taking commercial photos in the memorial building, can lead to a fine of up to 20 penalty units (2026: $2,200).
Protected persons are not personally liable for actions done in good faith.
The Trustees of the Anzac Memorial Building are now a legal entity (body corporate).
The Premier serves as the Chairperson of the Board.
Entities under the RSL NSW Act 2018 must follow obligations regarding the Anzac Memorial Building.
Entering or staying in parts of the memorial building that are signed as closed carries a fine of up to 20 penalty units (2026: $2,200).
People can be fined up to 20 penalty units (2026: $2,200) for certain activities in the memorial building, including gambling, using scooters or skateboards, spreading political or religious propaganda, or causing a nuisance.
People can be fined up to 20 penalty units (2026: $2,200) for entering the memorial building while intoxicated, bringing animals (except assistance animals), or spitting, urinating, or defecating on the building.
Using images of the memorial building for commercial purposes carries a fine of up to 10 penalty units (2026: $1,100), unless approved by The Trustees or used in a commercial news report.
Authorised officers can order a person to leave the memorial area if they believe the person is breaking the law. People who refuse to leave can be fined up to 40 penalty units (2026: $4,400) or removed by the officer.

The Debate

What different members said when this bill was debated:

Natasha Maclaren-Jones LIB

“On behalf of the Opposition and my colleague Robyn Preston, the shadow Minister for Veterans in the other place, I contribute to this important debate.”

Official source →

Sue Higginson GRN

“The Greens do not support the Anzac Memorial Bill 2025. We acknowledge the significance of the Anzac Memorial to families and communities who remember the gross violence of World War I and the ongoing ramifications it has on marginalised communities across the globe. We acknowledge there are deep feelings of affinity for the Anzac Memorial in New South Wales.”

Official source →

John Graham ALP

“In the view of the Government, the Anzac Memorial Bill 2025 ensures that the Anzac Memorial remains a place where all Australians can gather to reflect, remember and honour those who served. I thank the Opposition for its support of the bill. I understand why The Greens have taken the position they have, given the positions they taken in the Chamber on other similar matters.”

Official source →

News articles and press releases

Anzac Memorial Bill 2025

Mr DAVID HARRIS, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty — 2025-09-10

The bill will empower the trustees to use specific land around the memorial building for commemorative activities and clarifies the difference between annual commemorative activities, such as Anzac Day, and other commemorations, cutting through the red tape which previously required the memorial’s trustees to obtain permission from the Crown land manager. The bill also introduces a clear distinction between prohibited and regulated behaviours within the memorial building and the surrounding memorial area. This distinction enables greater control over the building itself, where the most solemn commemorations occur, while also ensuring that respectful behaviour is maintained throughout the precinct.