Speaking to reporters in Canberra, Albanese said new legislation would focus on “those who spread hate, division and radicalisation” after two gunmen opened fire at an event marking the first day of Hanukkah.
Under the proposed measures, the home affairs minister will be granted expanded powers to cancel or refuse visas for individuals who promote hate. The government will also establish a new taskforce aimed at ensuring the education system “prevents, tackles and properly responds to antisemitism”.
The package of reforms includes penalties for preachers and leaders who encourage violence, the creation of a new federal offence of “aggravated hate speech”, and the inclusion of “hate” as an aggravating factor in sentencing for crimes involving online threats and harassment.
“Every Jewish Australian has the right to feel safe, valued and respected for the contribution that they make to our great nation,” Albanese said.
He added that the attackers, whom he said were inspired by Islamic State, had sought to divide Australians. “Australians have responded to that act of hatred with love and sympathy for those in mourning,” he said.
Albanese also confirmed that his government would fully support and adopt recommendations outlined in a July report by antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal, who joined him at the press conference.
Segal said Australia was “at a very important moment not only for our community, but for fighting antisemitism around the world”.
Her report, however, faced criticism upon its release due to concerns about free speech. Critics argued that proposals to monitor universities and arts organisations, and potentially withhold funding, could be used to silence pro Palestinian protests.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the government was “shifting the threshold” to address language that is dehumanising and unacceptable, even if it falls short of direct incitement to violence.
“There have been individuals who have exploited our principles of free speech and gone right to the limits of language that has no place in Australia,” he said.
Albanese also acknowledged criticism from parts of the Jewish community that his government had not done enough to tackle antisemitism since the 7 October attack on Israel by Hamas.
“I accept my responsibility for that as prime minister of Australia,” he said. “But I also accept my responsibility to lead and unite the nation, because what people are looking for at this time is not more division.”
