Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday introduced a new five-point reform program to tackle antisemitism in the aftermath of the Bondi Beach terror attack on Sunday.
The youngest victim of Sunday’s attack, 10-year-old Matilda, was buried on Thursday. Referencing this, Albanese said he is “angry” and that it is clear more must be done “to combat this evil scourge.”
As such, five new measures are being put in place: aggravated hate speech offenses for preachers who promote violence, increased penalties for promoting violence through hate speech, making hate an aggravating factor in sentencing crimes for online threats, developing a system for listing organizations whose leaders engage in hate speech and/or radicalization, and developing a new federal offense for serious vilification based on race and/or promoting racial supremacy.
New powers to be granted to Minister for Home Affairs to refuse, cancel visas
The attorney-general and home affairs ministers will be responsible for developing the package of legislative reforms, which, Albanese said, will hopefully “crack down on those who spread hate, division, and radicalization.”
Furthermore, the home affairs minister will also be bestowed with new powers to cancel or reject visas for those who spread hate and division in Australia or would do so if they were allowed to travel there.
David Gonski, known for his recommendations on funding schools in Australia, has agreed to lead a 12-month task force, which will include Jillian Segal, the special envoy to combat antisemitism, to “ensure that the Australian education system prevents, tackles, and properly responds to antisemitism.”
The eSafety Commissioner, the special envoy, and the Department of Communications will also work together to provide online safety advice to address antisemitism.
“Every Jewish Australian has the right to be proud of who they are and what they believe,” Albanese told the press in Canberra. “And every Jewish Australian has the right to feel safe, valued, and respected for the contribution that they make to our great nation.
“We stand united with Jewish Australians, and we will never relent in the fight against antisemitism.”