Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a sweeping crackdown on hate speech following a deadly shooting at Bondi that targeted a Jewish festival, vowing new laws to curb extremism and protect communities.
Albanese said the proposed measures would target those who spread hate, division and radicalisation after 15 people were killed when two gunmen opened fire during an event marking the first day of Hanukkah.
Under the plan, the home affairs minister will receive expanded powers to cancel or refuse visas to individuals accused of promoting hate. A new taskforce will also be formed to ensure the education system prevents and properly responds to antisemitism.
The proposed legislation includes penalties for religious preachers and leaders who promote violence, the creation of a new federal offence of aggravated hate speech, and the use of hate as an aggravating factor in sentencing for online threats and harassment.
“Every Jewish Australian has the right to feel safe, valued and respected,” Albanese said, adding that those behind the attack sought to divide the nation but Australians had responded with solidarity and compassion.
Tensions remain high following the attack. Police in New South Wales said they detained seven men in southwest Sydney after receiving information about a possible violent plot, though authorities said there was no identified link to the Bondi shooting.
Australia’s antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal said the country was at a critical moment in addressing antisemitism, and Albanese confirmed his government would fully adopt recommendations she submitted earlier this year. Some of those proposals had drawn criticism over concerns they could restrict free speech, particularly on university campuses and in arts institutions.
Jewish community groups broadly welcomed the government’s commitment to act, though some expressed concern that parts of the announcement could limit legitimate political expression.
Albanese acknowledged criticism that his government had not done enough to tackle antisemitism since the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, saying he accepted responsibility and stressed the need to unite the nation rather than deepen divisions.
With inputs from BBC