Albanese announces new laws cracking down on hate speech and preachers of hate after Bondi beach attack

"The federal government will significantly strengthen hate speech laws including to target religious preachers and create new powers to cancel or reject visas of people who spread hate and division as part of a major escalation in its response to the Bondi massacre. The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, unveiled the measures on Thursday after days of intensifying pressure to do more to stamp out anti-Jewish hate in the wake of Sunday's terrorist attack on a Hanukah celebration."

"Albanese said the changes would include an aggravated hate speech offence for preachers and leaders who promote violence, increased penalties for hate speech promoting violence and making hate an aggravating factor in sentencing crimes for online threats and harassment. It would also include developing a regime for listing organisations whose leaders engage in hate speech promoting violence or racial hatred and developing a narrow federal offence for serious vilification based on race or advocating racial supremacy, he said."

"Albanese acknowledged Australia had witnessed an increase in antisemitism since 7 October 2023, which culminated on Sunday in one of the worst acts of mass murder that this country has ever seen. It was an attack on our Jewish community - but it was also an attack on the Australian way of life. Australians are shocked and angry. I am angry."

The government will strengthen hate speech laws and introduce powers to cancel or reject visas for people who spread hate and division. Measures include an aggravated hate speech offence targeting preachers and leaders who promote violence and increased penalties for hate speech that promotes violence. Hate will be an aggravating factor in sentencing for online threats and harassment. A regime will be developed to list organisations whose leaders engage in violent or racially hateful speech. A narrow federal offence will be created for serious vilification based on race or advocating racial supremacy. The government cited rising antisemitism since 7 October 2023 and the Bondi massacre as drivers.

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