Sydney: Australia will introduce sweeping new laws to crack down on hate speech and extremism following a deadly shooting at a Jewish festival in Sydney, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced.
Fifteen people were killed, when two gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, in what authorities described as a terrorist attack inspired by ISIS ideology. Speaking in Canberra, Albanese said the new legislation would target those who spread hate, division and radicalisation, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting Australia’s Jewish community.
Albanese stated that, “Every Jewish Australian has the right to feel safe, valued and respected for the contribution that they make to our great nation.”
Under the proposed measures, the home affairs minister will gain expanded powers to cancel or refuse visas for individuals who promote hate. A new federal offence of ‘aggravated hate speech’ will be introduced, alongside tougher penalties for religious preachers and community leaders who incite violence.
The reforms will also make ‘hate’ an aggravating factor in sentencing for crimes involving online threats and harassment. In addition, a new national taskforce will be established to ensure the education system prevents, tackles and properly responds to antisemitism.
Albanese confirmed his government would fully adopt recommendations from a July report by Australia’s antisemitism envoy, Jillian Segal, who said the country was at a critical moment in confronting antisemitism both domestically and globally.
However, the report has previously drawn criticism from some academics and civil rights groups over concerns it could undermine free speech, particularly through proposals to monitor universities and arts organisations and potentially withhold funding.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the government was deliberately shifting the threshold to act earlier against dehumanising and extremist language that falls short of direct violence. Albanese also acknowledged criticism from sections of the Jewish community that more should have been done to address antisemitism following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel.
Albanese added that, “I accept my responsibility for the part in that as prime minister of Australia. But I also accept my responsibility to lead the nation and unite the nation, because what people are looking for at this time isn’t more division.”
The government said further details of the legislation would be released in the coming weeks as consultations begin.
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