Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced new measures to tackle hate speech following a deadly shooting at Bondi Beach that killed 15 people during a Hanukkah festival.
The government’s proposed laws will target those spreading hate or radicalisation, penalise leaders who incite violence, and create a new federal offence of aggravated hate speech. Authorities will also gain powers to cancel or refuse visas for offenders.
A new taskforce will ensure schools address antisemitism, while Albanese pledged to implement recommendations from antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal’s report.
“Every Jewish Australian has the right to feel safe and respected,” Albanese said, emphasising the government’s commitment to uniting the nation against hatred.
The announcement comes after criticism that more could have been done to prevent antisemitism following attacks on Israel in October.
