Neo-Nazi group National Socialist Network has announced it will disband ahead of new Australian laws set to classify such organisations as terrorist groups. The group, along with its associated projects, stated it would dissolve before the legislation takes effect to protect former members from prosecution. The announcement, signed by leader Thomas Sewell and others, claims the new laws threaten political freedom and target peaceful opposition based on political expression. The government is preparing to introduce sweeping reforms to combat extremist groups, granting authorities new powers to ban organisations that promote violence or vilification.