Defence news: Townsville-based soldier shares photo of Nazi salute on rollercoaster ride
A photo showing a Townsville-based soldier performing a Nazi salute on a Gold Coast theme park ride is being investigated by the army. See the full image.
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A Townsville-based soldier caught on camera doing a Nazi salute on a Gold Coast theme park ride has maintained he was just “joking around” and does not believe in white supremacy.
The army is investigating a photo being shared on social media showing a member of 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR), performing a Nazi ‘sieg heil’ alongside three civilians on a rollercoaster at the Gold Coast.
ADF member Lenny Rowett says he was peer pressured into the act during a recent holiday by his civilian mates and does not align himself with right-extremist ideology.
“I do not associate with Nazis at all, I don’t believe in anything related to white supremacy,” Mr Rowett told the Bulletin.
“It was out of peer pressure, I saw my mates do it and simply just copied them without realising what it meant.
“Looking back at what I did, I regret my decision.
“(Nazism) is spoken about (in 3RAR) a lot, but it’s like banter and the boys joking around.”
A Defence spokeswoman said there was no place for extremist views in the army.
“Defence works closely with law enforcement and intelligence agencies to identify and counter threats to Defence and Defence personnel involving Ideologically Motivated Extremism,” the spokeswoman said.
“Defence investigates and takes action when personnel are identified as being potentially involved in … inappropriate activities.”
This comes after new laws were introduced to Queensland parliament earlier this year banning public displays of hate symbols, including those related to Nazi ideology.
When proposing the new laws last year, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said while Queensland was a freedom-loving society, no-one had the right to spread fear and hate.
“Nazism is evil,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Evil triumphs when good people do nothing. These crimes are not harmless and nor is the ideology behind it.”
Once passed, those caught breaching the hate symbols laws will face up to six months imprisonment or could cop a maximum fine of $10,000.
There is no suggestion Mr Rowett broke the law when he performed the Nazi salute.
There was also reportedly another incident within 3RAR recently when a swastika was allegedly found carved into the wall of an on-base room during a routine inspection.
There is no suggestion Mr Rowett had any involvement in this incident.
Defence did not comment on this alleged incident when asked.
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Originally published as Defence news: Townsville-based soldier shares photo of Nazi salute on rollercoaster ride
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