Neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell and National Socialist Network investigated by Allan government over home schooling claims

The Allan government is probing Thomas Sewell and his National Socialist Network to ensure no “hate-filled or extremist” material is being disseminated to children after the neo-Nazi leader claimed he, or his network, want to home-school children.

Neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell is being investigated by the Allan government over claims he or his network is home schooling children.

The leader of the National Socialist Network, Mr Sewell, 32, told Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on September 12 that he was paid a small living allowance by the organisation he leads and that, separately, the network was looking to conduct home-based schooling.

“I organise not only political engagements but community events … we’re expanding into building home school networks and close relationships for our children growing up,” Mr Sewell told the court.

Neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell is being investigated by the Allan government after claiming he or his network is home schooling children. Picture: David Geraghty

An Allan government spokeswoman said Mr Sewell’s claims about the NSN or its members homeschooling was being investigated in light of the evidence he had given.

“We have asked the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) to make inquiries in relation to this matter,” the spokeswoman said.

“Nazis have absolutely no place in Victoria. Any suggestion that children are being exposed to hate-filled or extremist material through home schooling is appalling.

“Parents who choose to home school their children have a responsibility to do the right thing – to provide a safe and quality education.”

Government Minister Gabrielle Williams further condemned the reported Nazi home schooling network, saying “I don’t think there’s any place for hate anywhere in this state”.

Gabrielle Williams said there’s no place for hate in any kind of educational system. Picture: David Crosling

“Particularly not ... in any kind of educational system.

“It’s deeply concerning to me that there would be any network created with the sole purpose of teaching hate to children.”

“We are an inclusive, tolerant, vibrant, diverse community and our diversity is our greatest strength.”

Ms Williams said that the alleged network would be of “great interest” to the state’s educational regulator, and said action would be taken “should they need to”.

Describing his work and study history, Mr Sewell, who has previously said he is paid $1000 a fortnight by the NSN, told the court he was discharged from the Australian Army’s fifth battalion in 2014 after about two-and-a-half years of service.

He said he worked in hospitality and as a security guard while studying, but did not complete an associates degree in engineering at Swinburne.

“I deferred my studies to focus on politics. I’ve been involving myself in political organisations throughout Australia from 2015,” he said.

Any suggestion that children are being exposed to hate-filled or extremist material through NSN home schooling is appalling, the government said. Picture: William West

It has also been reported that NSN is seeking to register as a political party for upcoming elections.

Mr Sewell said he previously worked as a youth worker for high risk youth for MacKillop Family Services until he was “unfairly dismissed for my out-of-work beliefs”.

He said his unfair dismissal claim was upheld by the Fair Work Commission and that since 2016 he has had half a dozen jobs in construction, most recently as a roofer.

At the September plea hearing, where he was found guilty of two charges of using intimidation towards a law enforcement officer and one count of intimidating the officer’s wife, Mr Sewell was sentenced to 200 hours of community service.

While the VRQA is investigating what if any registration for home schooling had been made by the NSN or its members, the Department of Education said it was an offence to operate an unregistered school in Victoria, and that registrations were aimed at ensuring compliance with child safe standards and appropriate learning programs.

VRQA is investigating whether the NSN or any if its members has registered for home schooling. Picture: iStock

In February 2025, the Victorian parliament passed new laws, that came into effect on October 1 that significantly increase penalties, up to $23,700, for individuals operating an unregistered school.

Last month, a court allowed Mr Sewell, of Wantirna South, to have a copy of Adolf Hitler’s racist manifesto, Mein Kampf, to prepare for a court hearing about his participation in a rally in Ballarat.

That matter related to allegations he behaved offensively at Eureka Stockade Memorial Park on December 3, 2023 – the anniversary of the Eureka Stockade.

It was alleged Mr Sewell yelled, “Australia for the white man,” during the march, with other participants — believed to number about 25 — responding, “The rest must go.”

The group allegedly declared: “White man fight back” and “Heil victory”.

Mr Sewell argued his leading of a march through Ballarat was political, not offensive and was found not guilty, while other charges stemming from an alleged attack on Camp Sovereignty at Melbourne’s Kings Domain Gardens in August remain ongoing.

Originally published as Neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell and National Socialist Network investigated by Allan government over home schooling claims