Australia has launched a radical crackdown on “hate speech” after the deadly Bondi Beach mass shooting on Sunday.
The Hanukkah attack claimed the lives of 15 people – and in an address on Thursday, PM Anthony Albanese announced a string of planned reforms to target “those who spread hate, division and radicalisation”.
Mr Albanese said his country would also bring in new powers to reject or cancel visas for the same “hate-spreaders”.
The Prime Minister’s reforms will see:
- A new “aggravated hate speech” offence for preachers and leaders who promote violence;
- Harsher penalties for hate speech which promotes violence;
- “Hate” made an aggravating factor in sentencing crimes for online threats and harassment;
- Developing a “black-list” for groups whose leaders engage in hate speech promoting violence or racial hatred;
- Developing a narrow federal offence for serious vilification based on race and/or advocating racial supremacy.
PM Anthony Albanese announced a string of planned reforms to target ‘those who spread hate, division and radicalisation’
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REUTERSSpeaking from Parliament House in Canberra, Mr Albanese said: “Since the terrible events of October 2023, we have witnessed an increase in antisemitism, which is of course an ancient hatred.
“We have seen a series of appalling attacks targeting Australia’s Jewish community.”
He had been blasted by Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu after the Bondi attack – and was then probed by reporters on whether he regretted not doing more to tackle antisemitism in the lead-up to it.
“Is there more that can be done? There is always more that can be done. Always,” he said in response.
Mr Albanese also admitted he had endured “difficult conversations” with Jewish Australians.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett also confirmed police probes into multiple hate preachers were underway.
“These individuals who spew hatred and cause fear are on my radar,” Ms Barrett said.
She went on to reveal the attack “was Isis-inspired” – but then claimed the terror group “distorts and corrupts Islam which leads to radicalisation”.
“The point I was making is that these two we know were inspired by Isis,” Ms Barrett added.
