Albanese Flags New Hate Laws and Visa Powers After Bondi Terror Attack

Four days after the Bondi Beach terror attack that killed 15 people, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a package of legal, security and education measures aimed at tackling antisemitism, hate speech and violent extremism.

Following a meeting of the National Security Committee, Albanese said the Attorney-General and Home Affairs Minister have been tasked with drafting legislation to strengthen federal hate laws.

New Hate Speech Offences Proposed

The package includes proposed new criminal offences, tougher visa cancellation powers, expanded online regulation, education reforms and the activation of national disaster recovery funding—the first time it has been used for a terrorist attack.

The proposed changes include a new aggravated hate-speech offence aimed at leaders who promote violence, tougher penalties for speech that incites harm, and sentencing changes to treat hate as an aggravating factor in online threats and harassment.

The government also plans to introduce a new regime to list organisations whose leaders promote violent hatred, along with a narrow federal offence covering serious racial vilification and advocacy of racial supremacy.