Australia has unveiled sweeping new hate speech legislation in the wake of the terror attack on Bondi Beach, strengthening authorities’ hand in combating antisemitism and extremism.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday announced the measures, which would raise penalties for hate speech and are aimed at prosecuting preachers and leaders of groups that promote violence. The measures would also make it easier for Australia to cancel or refuse visas to those found to be spreading hate.
“Australians are shocked and angry. I am angry. It is clear we need to do more to combat this evil scourge, much more,” Albanese said of antisemitism in Australia. “We’re shifting the threshold. We have no time for organisations where their mission is to hate Australia and to hate fellow Australians.”