Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a five-point plan to expand hate speech laws, targeting 'hate preachers' and granting the home affairs minister powers to cancel visas for those spreading division. The move comes after days of pressure following Sunday's terrorist attack on a Hanukah celebration in Bondi, which left 15 dead, including 10-year-old Matilda.
Albanese conceded that 'more could have always been done' to combat antisemitism, a sentiment echoed by opposition leader Sussan Ley, who unveiled the Coalition's own plan. The Coalition's proposals include blocking funding for projects supporting antisemitic activities, reviving citizenship stripping for dual nationals engaged in terrorism, and pausing visas from 'terrorist enclaves' such as Gaza.
The new government measures include an aggravated hate speech offence for preachers promoting violence, increased penalties, and a new federal offence for serious vilification based on race. The home affairs minister, Tony Burke, said the laws would lower the threshold for prosecution, targeting organisations that currently operate just within legal limits.
Albanese did not rule out recalling parliament over summer to pass the laws, emphasising the need for careful drafting to withstand legal challenges. The changes build on hate speech laws passed earlier this year, which created an offence for encouraging violence against specific groups but dropped anti-vilification provisions after faith group pushback.
Authorities allege the Bondi attack, Australia's worst terrorist incident, was inspired by Islamic State. Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett confirmed 'hate preachers' were already under surveillance, though no specific groups were named for potential listing under the new regime.
