Australia to Tighten Hate Speech Laws

Australia will introduce stricter legislation to combat hate speech following a deadly shooting in Sydney that killed 15 people, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the National Security Committee, Albanese said the new legal measures will target individuals and groups that spread hatred, incite violence, promote polarizing rhetoric, and fuel extremism. His comments were reported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

The prime minister acknowledged shortcomings in existing legislation, saying previous governments could have taken stronger action to address hate speech. He stressed that the government’s focus now is on implementing concrete and effective measures to prevent future incidents.

Albanese said his government will fully support the recommendations outlined in a report prepared in July by Australia’s Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Gillian Segal. He confirmed that tougher legal provisions will be introduced to strengthen enforcement against hate speech.

Media reports said the proposed laws will introduce a specific category of “aggravated hate speech” offences for individuals who incite violence motivated by hatred. Penalties for hate speech offences will also be increased under the new framework.

In addition, authorities plan to establish a mechanism to designate organizations whose leaders are found to promote hate speech, incite violence, or encourage racial hatred, placing them on special monitoring or restriction lists.

The announcement follows a gun attack that took place last Sunday during Hanukkah celebrations at Bondi Beach in New South Wales. The assault was carried out by a father and his son, identified as Sajid Akram and Navid Akram. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns confirmed that one of the attackers was killed.

Australian police said the 50-year-old father held a valid firearms license and legally owned six weapons. A further six firearms were seized at the scene of the attack.

Hanukkah, a major Jewish holiday commemorating the victory of the Maccabees over the Seleucid Empire in 165 BC, is being observed this year from December 14 to December 22.