Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced new measures to combat antisemitism, including expanded hate speech laws targeting “hate preachers,” as he conceded more could have been done before the Bondi beach massacre. The five-point plan, unveiled on Thursday, grants the home affairs minister powers to cancel and reject visas for individuals spreading “hate and division.”
The announcement came after days of pressure following Sunday’s terrorist attack on a Hanukah celebration, which authorities allege was inspired by Islamic State. Albanese said the government “adopts and fully supports” Jillian Segal’s plan to combat antisemitism, though a document only states it would “work through” the 13 recommendations.
The new laws include an aggravated hate speech offence for preachers and leaders who promote violence, increased penalties for hate speech, and making hate an aggravating factor in sentencing for online threats and harassment. The changes also propose a regime for listing organisations whose leaders engage in hate speech or racial hatred, and a narrow federal offence for serious vilification based on race.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the laws lower the threshold to prosecute hate speech, noting that some organisations have operated just below legal limits for a generation. Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett confirmed “hate preachers” are already on the radar. Albanese did not rule out recalling parliament over summer to debate the laws, seeking broad cross-party support.
Opposition leader Sussan Ley unveiled her own plan, including terminating funding for antisemitic projects, reviving citizenship stripping for dual citizens involved in terrorism, and pausing visas from “terrorist enclaves” like Gaza. She demanded parliament be recalled next week to pass laws before Christmas.
