Nazi symbol ban goes under the spotlight in new inquiry

Government ministers - while also admonishing Nazi protesters - halted the opposition's push to legislate the ban, saying it needed more time to consider any complex legal issues. 

They said the coalition's proposal was rushed and was being used as a political stunt, something opposition frontbenchers strenuously denied. 

Senior Liberal senator Simon Birmingham said the proposed legislation was legally sound and had considered issues relating to religious freedoms. 

"The approach to the legislation has been to base it upon legislation applied in certain states and territories," he said. 

The bill will now head to a parliamentary inquiry, which will report back by May 4.