The national government is set to significantly strengthen legislation addressing hate speech – including provisions to target religious preachers – and will establish fresh authorities to cancel or reject the visas of individuals who spread “hate and division.”
The PM, Anthony Albanese, unveiled these measures on Thursday morning after a period of mounting calls to take stronger action to eradicate anti-Jewish hate in the wake of Sunday’s violent act at a Hanukkah event.
“This was an attack on our Jewish community - but it was also an assault against the Australian values. Australians are shocked and angry. I am outraged. It is clear we need to do more to fight this evil scourge,” the Prime Minister stated.
Key Announced Legal Changes
Speaking in Canberra following a session of the security cabinet, Albanese said the government “adopts and fully supports” a strategy to tackle anti-Jewish sentiment.
The proposed changes encompass:
- An aggravated criminal charge for preachers and leaders who promote acts of violence.
- Increased penalties for incendiary rhetoric that incites violence.
- Making hate an consideration in sentencing for offences involving online threats and harassment.
- Creating a regime for designating groups whose leaders propagate hate speech promoting violence or racial animosity.
- Establishing a narrow national law for egregious abuse based on ethnicity or promoting racial supremacy.
The Government's Rationale
Albanese acknowledged that the nation has witnessed a significant rise in antisemitism since late 2023, which “culminated on that day in one of the worst mass killings that this nation has experienced.”
The government's earlier focus on strengthening firearms legislation in the direct wake of the shooting had faced criticism, with some claiming it was a distraction from wider concerns about hate speech.
These new announcements represent a significant step-up in the government's response to the tragic events and the pervasive problem of hate-driven rhetoric in the community.
