The national government is set to dramatically toughen laws addressing hate speech – including measures to target clerical leaders – and will establish new powers to cancel or reject the entry permits of individuals who disseminate “hate and division.”
The PM, Anthony Albanese, announced these measures on Thursday after a period of intensifying pressure to do more to stamp out antisemitism following the recent terrorist attack at a Hanukah celebration.
“It was an assault against our Jewish community - but it was also an attack on the Australian values. Australians are shocked and angry. I am outraged. It is clear we need to take further steps to fight this terrible blight,” Albanese said.
Major Proposed Legislative Measures
Speaking in Canberra following a session of the security cabinet, Albanese said the administration “embraces and endorses” a strategy to tackle antisemitism.
The announced changes include:
- An enhanced criminal charge for preachers and leaders who advocate for violence.
- Increased penalties for incendiary rhetoric that incites violence.
- Making hatred an consideration in sentencing for crimes involving online threats and harassment.
- Creating a framework for listing groups whose figureheads engage in hate speech promoting violence or racial animosity.
- Developing a specific national law for serious vilification targeting race or advocating racial superiority.
The Government's Reasoning
The Prime Minister noted that Australia has witnessed a significant rise in antisemitism since recent events, which “peaked on that day in one of the most horrific mass killings that this nation has ever seen.”
The government's earlier focus on strengthening firearms legislation in the immediate aftermath of the shooting had drawn scrutiny, with some arguing it was a distraction from broader issues about incendiary rhetoric.
These new proposals constitute a significant step-up in the administration's approach to the recent violence and the underlying issue of hate-driven discourse in society.
