Legislation to combat antisemitism, hate and extremism in the wake of the December 14 Bondi Beach shootings has been passed by Federal Parliament.
The Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Act 2026 targets people and groups who seek to spread hatred, radicalise youth and disrupt social cohesion.
Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said in a statement that the new laws were designed to bolster the safety and security of the community.
“The legislation sends a clear message that those who seek to spread hate and division, including those who seek to radicalise our youth, will be met with appropriate penalties,” she said.
“The passing of these laws to combat antisemitism, hate and extremism is another vital step towards a safer, more unified Australia.”
The Act expands and strengthens Commonwealth criminal offences to address the spread of hatred and extremism, including antisemitism, through:
- Increased penalties for hate crime offences
- New aggravated penalties for preachers and leaders who advocate or threaten violence
- A new framework to enable organisations who engage in conduct constituting a hate crime to be listed as prohibited hate groups
- Expanded prohibited hate symbols offences
Separately, reforms to our migration laws enable the Minister for Home Affairs to refuse to grant, or to cancel a visa, on the basis of hate motivated conduct and offences relating to the spread of hatred and extremism.
The Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Act 2026 also:
- Establishes a National Gun Buyback Scheme
- Enables the use of Commonwealth intelligence for firearms licensing decisions
- Strengthens importation controls on firearms
- Introduces new criminal offences for accessing, distributing, possessing or controlling online material for firearms and explosives manufacture
- Prohibits the import or export of violent extremism material, prohibited hate material or goods that contain such things
