Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced sweeping new measures to crack down on hate speech after a deadly shooting at a Jewish festival in Sydney’s Bondi Beach area that left 15 people dead.
Speaking in Canberra on Monday, Albanese said the government would introduce new laws targeting “those who spread hate, division and radicalisation,” following the attack during a Hanukkah event, which authorities say was carried out by gunmen inspired by extremist ideology.
The proposed legislation includes a new federal offence of “aggravated hate speech”, tougher penalties for religious or community leaders who promote violence, and the recognition of “hate” as an aggravating factor in sentencing for online threats and harassment.
Visa powers and education taskforce
Under the plan, the Home Affairs Minister will gain expanded powers to cancel or refuse visas for individuals accused of spreading hate. The government will also establish a new national taskforce to ensure the education system actively prevents and responds to antisemitism.
“Every Jewish Australian has the right to feel safe, valued and respected,” Albanese said, adding that the attackers sought to divide Australians, but the public response had instead shown unity and compassion.
Security tensions rise
Security concerns have intensified nationwide since the attack. Police in New South Wales detained seven men in southwest Sydney on Thursday following intelligence about a possible violent act, though authorities said there was no confirmed link to the Bondi shooting.
Footage circulated by local media showed armed officers detaining individuals on a Sydney street shortly after the prime minister’s announcement.
Mixed reactions from Jewish groups
Antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal said Australia was at a “critical moment” in confronting antisemitism, confirming the government would fully adopt recommendations from her July report.
However, those recommendations previously drew criticism over potential threats to free speech, including proposals to monitor universities and arts organisations and withhold funding if they failed to address antisemitism.
The Jewish Council of Australia welcomed the government’s commitment to tackle gun violence and online hate but warned against policies that could suppress legitimate political expression.
“If education initiatives become a form of ideological policing—particularly limiting criticism of Israel—they risk making Jews less safe,” said executive officer Dr Max Kaiser.
Government accepts responsibility
Albanese acknowledged criticism that his government had not acted forcefully enough to address antisemitism since the 7 October Hamas attack on Israel.
“I accept my responsibility as prime minister,” he said, adding that his priority was to unite the nation rather than deepen divisions.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the government was “shifting the threshold” on hate speech to stop dehumanising rhetoric before it escalates into violence.
Jewish community leaders said they would assess the measures once legislative details are released, noting that earlier warnings about rising antisemitism had gone unheeded until tragedy struck.
