Australian PM to act on hate speech after Bondi shooting

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a crackdown on hate speech following Sunday’s deadly shooting at Bondi Beach, which targeted a Jewish festival marking the first day of Hanukkah. Fifteen people were killed when two gunmen opened fire at the event.

Speaking in Canberra, Albanese said new laws would target those who spread hate, division and radicalisation. The government will introduce stricter penalties for aggravated hate speech, online threats and harassment, and for religious leaders who promote violence. Hate will also be treated as an aggravating factor in sentencing.

The home affairs minister will receive expanded powers to cancel or deny visas to individuals who spread hate, and a new taskforce will be set up to ensure schools and universities effectively prevent and respond to antisemitism.

Albanese said every Jewish Australian has the right to feel safe and respected, adding that the attackers, inspired by ISIS, aimed to divide the nation. He confirmed the government would adopt recommendations from a July report by antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal.

While Jewish community groups broadly welcomed the move, some raised concerns about potential impacts on free speech. Albanese acknowledged criticism that more could have been done earlier to address antisemitism, saying his responsibility as prime minister was to unite the nation and reduce division.