Australia to introduce laws to crack down on hate speech after Bondi shooting

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced sweeping reforms to Australia’s hate speech laws following the deadly antisemitic terror attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach. The reforms include tougher penalties for hate speech promoting violence, new aggravated offences for preachers and leaders, visa cancellations for hate propagators, and stricter sentencing for online threats.

The announcement comes after two gunmen killed 15 Jewish people during a Hanukkah celebration, shocking the nation. As funerals begin and investigations continue, Australia is confronting urgent questions around antisemitism, public safety, gun control, and whether Jewish communities were adequately protected from rising hate-driven violence.