From social media bans to Sydney’s laughed-at lockout laws, Australia has long been dubbed a nanny state – a nation that is increasingly governed by excessive rules and regulations.
Many of these measures, however, are designed to protect public safety, prevent harm and save lives, including mandatory bicycle helmets, smoking restrictions and strict alcohol laws.
But then there are rules that make you think, have things gone too far?
A Reddit community called ‘Nanny State Australia’ has become a place where users share examples of what they see as regulatory overreach.
One widely shared post features a park sign in the Blue Mountains outlining standard public space rules such as leash requirements for dogs and prohibitions on littering.
However, one clause in the “Not Permitted” section drew some attention.
It reads, “No act that is likely to injure, endanger, obstruct, inconvenience or annoy any person”.
The inclusion of the word “annoy” prompted debate about how such a subjective standard could be interpreted or enforced.
“I find sharing outdoor public spaces annoying. If I’m there first, I’m telling everyone else to leave because they’re annoying me and my solitude,” one commenter wrote.
Another added, “I am annoyed by people who find my behaviour annoying,” while a third said, “I find that sign annoying”.
Some users suggested the wording may be intentionally vague, working as a catch-all provision for conduct not explicitly covered elsewhere. One commenter described it as the “don’t be a dick” rule.
Another post shared images of two 13-year-olds operating a cold drinks stand along the Bondi-to-Coogee coastal walk during a heatwave.
The teenagers reportedly used their own pocket money to buy water and soft drinks, but their stall was shut down by a Waverley Council worker, allegedly because their bicycles were parked illegally.
“All forms of fun are now illegal in NSW,” one commenter wrote, while another said, “These Young Entrepreneurs must be stopped”.
Elsewhere, users highlighted the case of an Adelaide man fined $120,000 for failing to dismantle an unauthorised backyard cheese-making facility.
The elderly Greek man was not selling the cheese and was not accused of causing harm, but the council proceeded with a hefty fine.
“Our reaction is ALWAYS to punish,” one commenter wrote. “Could council have worked with the guy to help him? Did this need to go to court? It’s so insanely adversarial. Meanwhile, violent crime gets a slap on the wrist.”
Even recreational activities were not immune to scrutiny, according to forum users.
The swan pedal boats at Lake Parramatta recently lost their licence due to “safety concerns” after operating for eight years.
The business owner, Greg Gordon, said the operation had been audited by Safe Work Australia and found to meet required standards.
“Is this the most dangerous vehicle in Parramatta?” one commenter asked.
“Thankfully, kids can now return to the far safer option of staying indoors all summer, scrolling on iPads and developing anxiety and obesity in peace. Public safety first.”
The forum contains numerous other examples, including restrictions on nerf guns and regulations governing interactions with native wildlife such as magpies.
Across the discussion, users expressed concern that the “good old days” of Australia and “freedom” are behind us.
Several commenters argued that the country once prided itself on the idea that “she’ll be right”, with one user noting that Australia was once defined by a culture of risk-taking and rule-breaking, pointing to figures such as Ned Kelly and events like the Eureka Stockade.
But somewhere around the 2000s, increasing layers of regulation have replaced that mindset.
According to some Aussies, activities ranging from paddling on rivers to running a lemonade stand now require permits or risk penalties.
So, is Australia a nanny state?
Lawyer Jahan Kalantar from Executive Law Group said the issue was complex.
“Law and order will always be a challenging topic, and one person’s good governance is another person’s tyranny,” he told news.com.au.
“While I think it is wonderful Australia has such a strong legal system, from time to time I definitely observe rules and regulations that really make a person feel infantilised and confused.
“It is not uncommon for me to look at a situation and think that it’s bizarre that someone put in such a rule and not feel a bit reluctant that common sense, instead of regulation, could not prevail.”
Images: Reddit / Shutterstock
