Anthony Albanese announces crackdown on hate speech after Bundy shooting

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government would crack down on hate speech following Sunday’s deadly shooting at Bondi Beach in response to a Jewish holiday.

Two gunmen opened fire during an event marking the first day of Hanukkah, killing 15 people.

Albanese told reporters in Canberra that the new laws would target “those who spread hatred, division and radicalization”.

The Home Secretary will also be given new powers to cancel or deny visas to those spreading hatred, and a new task force will be established to ensure the education system “prevents, addresses and appropriately responds to anti-Semitism”.

The new law will also include penalties for preachers and leaders who promote violence, a new federal “aggravated hate speech” offense and the introduction of “hate” as an aggravating factor in criminal sentencing for online threats and harassment.

“Every Jewish Australian has the right to feel safe, valued and respected for the contribution they make to our great country,” Albanese said.

“Terrorists inspired by ISIS… seek to turn Australians against each other. Australians respond to this act of hate with love and compassion for the mourners.”

Albanese added that his government would “fully support and adopt” the recommendations made in a July report by special envoy on anti-Semitism Jillian Siegel, who also spoke at a news conference.

She said the country is “at a very important moment not just for our community but for the fight against anti-Semitism around the world.”

Her report was criticized by some after it was released in July for its impact on free speech, including plans to monitor universities and arts organizations and withhold funding if they were deemed to have failed to take action against anti-Semitism. There are concerns, for example, that the funds could be used to quell pro-Palestinian protests.

Home Secretary Tony Burke said the government was “changing the threshold”.

“Some people have successfully exploited a country with different principles of free speech and gone straight to the line of language that is clearly dehumanizing, unacceptable and has no place in Australia, but has not quite crossed the threshold of violence,” he said.

Albanese, meanwhile, acknowledged accusations from the Jewish community that his government has not done enough to prevent anti-Semitism since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7 and said more could be done.

“As Prime Minister of Australia, I accept responsibility in this regard,” he said. “But what I do also accept the responsibility of leading the country and uniting the country. Because what people are looking for at this time is not more division.”