Residents of Sydney’s inner west awoke Tuesday to find swastikas, homophobic slurs, and offensive graffiti defacing political posters and public property in Newtown, Enmore, and Erskineville — including a well-known LGBTQ+ bar.
The NSW Police have launched an investigation into the vandalism, believed to have occurred between 1:30 am and 2:00 am on Tuesday morning. So far, police have identified 27 defaced political posters and two structures in Newtown affected by the graffiti.
One particularly alarming incident occurred at the Imperial Hotel in Erskineville, where a swastika was spray-painted over signage that read “proudly LGBTQIA+.” The Imperial, affectionately known as The Impy, is a heritage-listed venue and a cornerstone of Sydney’s queer nightlife.
Richie Haines, Chief Operating Officer of Universal Hotels, confirmed the incident in a statement to Star Observer, noting that the graffiti appears to have been part of a broader wave of attacks rather than a direct targeting of the venue.
“Given the symbol was also painted onto a number of other buildings and signs in the Erskineville and Newtown area, it does not appear to be targeted specifically at the Impy,” Haines said.
“Notwithstanding, the entire Universal Hotels and Imperial team condemn these cowardly actions in the strongest possible terms. There is absolutely no place in our society for such senseless hate and intolerance.”
Targeted Hate on Political Posters
In addition to the graffiti found on buildings, a number of corflute posters promoting federal election candidates, across multiple parties, were also defaced.
Posters belonging to Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi were among those targeted. They were vandalised with swastikas, Islamophobic and ableist slurs. In response, Senator Faruqi called the acts “vile and cowardly”, attributing them to her party’s unwavering support for Palestinian human rights.
“It’s a disturbing reflection of the racism, Islamophobia and harassment that continues to target those who dare to speak up for Palestinian lives and human rights,” she stated.
Public display of Nazi symbols is illegal in New South Wales and carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in prison or an $11,000 fine.
Police Appeal for Information
NSW Police have released CCTV footage of a person of interest seen near Erskineville Road around 1:50am. The individual is described as:
- Caucasian appearance
- Early to mid-20s
- Approximately 180cm tall
- Medium build
- Mid-length brown hair
