New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has firmly rejected calls to repeal recently enacted hate speech laws that have stirred controversy over their expedited passage through parliament.

The legislation introduces penalties of up to two years in prison or fines reaching $11,000 for the intentional incitement of racial hatred.

This move follows a series of antisemitic incidents in Sydney, including vandalism at synagogues and graffiti featuring Nazi symbols, which have raised concerns within the community.

The laws, passed amidst gestures of swift legislative action, do not extend to other forms of hate based on religion, sexuality, or gender.

In recent developments, police reported that many of the antisemitic acts had not stemmed from ideological motivations but were instead perpetrated by organized crime syndicates.

This information has fueled accusations that the government may have overstated the urgency for the laws based on these incidents.

In addressing the criticism, Premier Minns stated that the laws are vital for fostering social cohesion and articulating the state's stance against racial hatred, asserting that they send a definitive message against inciting such sentiments within New South Wales' multicultural framework.

Critics, including Greens MLC Sue Higginson, have called for a re-examination of what they describe as 'substandard laws', urging for a more deliberate legislative process.

Higginson emphasized the necessity for transparency and accountability regarding the future of these laws, stating, 'Fixing mistakes or errors or bad decisions is always the right thing to do.' Meanwhile, Libertarian Party member John Ruddick announced intentions to draft legislation aimed at repealing the new laws, arguing that they were hastily introduced.

The NSW Council for Civil Liberties has also advocated for an inquiry into whether Premier Minns misled parliament and the public during the legislative process.

At the center of the controversy is a recent incident involving a caravan loaded with explosives that was initially linked to the recent spate of antisemitic acts but later revealed to be a hoax orchestrated by organized crime.

The council expressed concern that the initial claims created a pretext for hastily adopted laws that may infringe on civil liberties.

Despite these challenges, members of Sydney's Jewish community continue to report increasing unease, with many stressing that the impact of antisemitism persists regardless of the motives behind specific acts.

Rabbi Mendel Kastel of Jewish House remarked on a noticeable rise in requests for support, stating that the distress experienced by community members has reached unprecedented levels.

As the political fallout from the passing of these laws continues, Premier Minns faces mounting pressure from both his own party and opposition members demanding clarity and accountability regarding the decision-making processes that led to the march of the hate speech legislation through parliament.

The complexities surrounding the aftermath of the caravan incident and the significant socio-political ramifications of the laws are poised to dominate discussions as the New South Wales parliament reconvenes.