The Australian federal government has announced a sweeping package of new laws aimed at combating antisemitism, hate speech and radicalisation, in the wake of the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack that shocked the nation and left 15 people dead.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the reforms following an urgent meeting of the National Security Committee, saying Australia must act decisively to protect social cohesion and national security. Central to the package is a crackdown on so-called “hate preachers”, with expanded powers for the Minister for Home Affairs to refuse or cancel visas for individuals found to be promoting hatred, violence or division.
“There is no place in Australia for antisemitism,” Albanese said in Canberra. “It is an evil that tears at the fabric of our country and puts the peaceful, free and equal society we cherish at risk.”
The reforms build on a comprehensive 49-point plan delivered to the government in July by Australia’s Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Jillian Segal. The government has formally adopted the plan, including its first recommendation: the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism.
In addition to existing laws targeting hate speech, hate crimes, extremist symbols and doxing, the government announced five major new measures. These include the creation of an aggravated hate-speech offence targeting preachers and community leaders who incite violence, tougher penalties for promoting violence, and making hatred an aggravating factor in sentencing for online threats and harassment. A new regime will also be developed to list organisations whose leaders promote racial hatred, alongside a narrowly defined federal offence for serious racial vilification and advocacy of racial supremacy.
Albanese said the Bondi attack, which claimed the lives of 15 innocent people including 10-year-old Matilda, was not only an assault on Australia’s Jewish community but an attack on the Australian way of life. “Australians are shocked and angry. I am angry. It is clear we must do much more to combat this evil scourge,” he said.
Education reform is also a key pillar of the response. Education Minister Jason Clare announced that David Gonski will chair a 12-month national taskforce focused on tackling antisemitism across schools and universities. Clare acknowledged that Jewish students have increasingly felt unsafe and unwelcome on campuses, and warned that universities would face stronger regulatory penalties if they fail to act.
Meanwhile, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett confirmed that investigations into the Bondi attack remain active, with further search warrants to be executed. She also revealed ongoing investigations into individuals identified as hate preachers, saying they are firmly on the radar of counter-terrorism authorities.
Jillian Segal described the attack as an “unbelievable tragedy” but said the government’s response marked a critical moment not just for Australia, but for the global fight against antisemitism.
