Australia moves to tighten hate speech laws after Bondi attack
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a major crackdown on hate speech following a deadly shooting at Bondi Beach that targeted a Jewish community gathering.
The attack occurred during celebrations marking the first day of Hanukkah, when two gunmen opened fire, killing 15 people. Authorities have described the incident as an act of terrorism aimed at spreading fear and division.
Speaking in Canberra, Albanese said the government would introduce new legislation targeting individuals and groups that promote hatred, radicalisation and violence.
New offences and tougher penalties planned
Under the proposed reforms, the government will create a new federal offence of “aggravated hate speech” and introduce harsher penalties for religious or community leaders who encourage violence. Hate motivation will also be treated as an aggravating factor in sentencing for crimes involving online threats and harassment.
The Home Affairs Minister will be granted expanded powers to cancel or refuse visas for people found to be spreading extremist or hateful ideology. A national taskforce will also be established to ensure Australia’s education system can better prevent and respond to antisemitism.
“Every Jewish Australian has the right to feel safe, respected and valued,” Albanese said, adding that the attackers were inspired by ISIS and sought to turn Australians against one another.
Government adopts antisemitism report
The prime minister confirmed that his government would fully adopt recommendations from a July report by antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal. Segal said Australia was at a critical moment in the global fight against antisemitism.
The report previously faced criticism from civil liberties groups over concerns that monitoring universities and arts organisations could restrict free speech, particularly around pro-Palestinian activism.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the reforms were designed to intervene earlier, before hateful language escalates into violence.
PM acknowledges criticism from Jewish community
Albanese also acknowledged concerns from Jewish leaders that the government had not acted strongly enough since the 7 October attack on Israel by Hamas.
“I accept my responsibility as prime minister,” he said. “But I also accept my responsibility to unite the nation at a time when Australians are grieving.”
