🔗 Share this article Australian Prime Minister Unveils Fresh Legislation Taking Action on Hate Speech and Preachers of Division The national government is poised to substantially enhance laws targeting inflammatory language – including provisions to target clerical leaders – and will create new powers to revoke or deny the entry permits of people who disseminate “hate and division.” The PM, Anthony Albanese, announced these actions on Thursday morning following a period of intensifying pressure to do more to eradicate antisemitism following the recent violent act targeting a Hanukkah event. “This was an attack on our Jewish community - but it was also an assault against the Australian values. The public is shocked and angry. I am outraged. It is clear we need to do more to combat this terrible blight,” Albanese said. Key Announced Legislative Measures Speaking in the capital following a meeting of the security cabinet, the Prime Minister said the government “adopts and fully supports” a strategy to combat anti-Jewish sentiment. The announced changes include: An enhanced hate speech offence for clerics and figures who promote violence. Heavier fines and sentences for incendiary rhetoric that promotes violence. Making hate an consideration in sentencing for crimes involving online threats and harassment. Creating a framework for listing organisations whose leaders engage in inflammatory speech promoting violence or racial animosity. Establishing a specific national law for serious vilification based on ethnicity or advocating racial superiority. The Government's Reasoning Albanese acknowledged that Australia has witnessed a significant rise in anti-Jewish incidents following late 2023, which “peaked on Sunday in one of the most horrific mass killings that this nation has experienced.” Official initial focus on tightening firearms legislation in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy had faced criticism, with certain claiming it was a diversion from wider issues about incendiary rhetoric. These latest proposals constitute a significant step-up in the administration's approach to the recent violence and the underlying issue of hate-driven discourse in society.