White Australia group will remain classified as a hate group after losing a High Court bid

A neo-Nazi group has lost a High Court bid to be declassified as a hate group under new laws introduced after the Bondi terror attack.

White Australia challenged its classification under the news laws shortly after the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) rejected their bid to become a political party.

Proceedings were lodged in the High Court of Australia.

In a brief judgment on Thursday, Chief Justice Stephen Gageler dismissed the application.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke registered the White Australia Party as a hate group last month.

The group lodged a constitutional appeal with the High Court of Australia to overturn the laws – which made supporting, funding, training, recruiting, joining or directing White Australia a criminal offence, with a maximum penalty of 15 years jail.

The group, which is also known as the European Australia Movement, was one of two groups singled out by ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess as “stretching the boundary of legality”.

The other was Hizb ut-Tahrir.

Mr Burke said the listing was initiated by ASIO and followed by a decision by the Attorney-General.

The opposition was also consulted.