Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a sweeping crackdown on hate speech following a deadly shooting at Bondi Beach that targeted a Jewish festival, killing 15 people.
The attack occurred on Sunday during an event marking the first day of Hanukkah, when two gunmen opened fire on attendees. Authorities have described the shooting as an act of terrorism inspired by extremist ideology.
Speaking to reporters in Canberra, Albanese said his government would introduce new laws aimed at those who “spread hate, division and radicalisation” across Australia.
Under the proposed measures, the home affairs minister will be granted expanded powers to cancel or refuse visas for individuals found to be promoting hate. A new national taskforce will also be established to ensure Australia’s education system “prevents, tackles and properly responds to antisemitism.”
The legislative package will introduce penalties for religious preachers and community leaders who promote violence, create a new federal offence of “aggravated hate speech,” and classify hate as an aggravating factor in sentencing for online threats and harassment.
“Every Jewish Australian has the right to feel safe, valued and respected for the contribution that they make to our great nation,” Albanese said.
He added that the attackers, whom he said were inspired by Islamic State, sought to divide Australians. “Australians have responded to that act of hatred with love and sympathy for those in mourning,” he said.
The prime minister confirmed that the government would fully adopt recommendations outlined in a July report by antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal, who also addressed the press conference. Segal described the moment as critical not only for Australia’s Jewish community but for combating antisemitism globally.
However, the report has drawn criticism from civil liberties groups and activists, who warned it could restrict free speech. Concerns were raised about proposals to monitor universities and arts organisations and potentially withhold funding if they failed to address antisemitism, with some fearing it could be used to silence pro-Palestinian protests.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the government was deliberately lowering the threshold for intervention.
“There have been individuals who have exploited freedom of speech principles to push dehumanising and unacceptable language that has no place in Australia, without quite crossing the line into violence,” Burke said.
Albanese also acknowledged criticism from Jewish leaders that his government had not done enough to counter rising antisemitism since the 7 October Hamas attack on Israel, admitting more action should have been taken.
“I accept my responsibility for that as prime minister,” he said. “But I also accept my responsibility to lead and unite the nation, because what people are looking for now is not more division.”
Erizia Rubyjeana
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