Albanese unveils new laws targeting 'hate preachers', adopts antisemitism plan

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a suite of new laws aimed at combating antisemitism and extremist hate speech, saying the federal government will fully adopt recommendations from Australia's antisemitism envoy following the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack.

The government will accept in full a report delivered by envoy Jillian Segal in July, which had drawn criticism from some within the Jewish community for delays in implementation. Albanese acknowledged the government "could always have done more" in responding to rising antisemitism.

Speaking after meeting members of the Jewish community in Sydney, the prime minister said his focus was on those grieving after the attack, which claimed 15 lives during a Hanukkah celebration.

"My job is not difficult," Albanese said. "The difficulty is with the families who are grieving and going through an incredibly traumatic experience."

New hate speech laws

Under the proposed reforms, the attorney-general and home affairs minister will draft legislation covering five key areas:

• New aggravated hate speech offences targeting preachers and leaders who promote violence
• Tougher penalties for hate speech that incites violence
• Making hate an aggravating factor in sentencing for online threats and harassment
• A new regime to list organisations whose leaders promote hate, violence or racial hatred
• A narrowly defined federal offence for serious racial vilification or advocating racial supremacy

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the changes would lower the legal threshold so authorities can act against speech that has previously fallen short of criminality.

The home affairs minister will also gain expanded powers to cancel or refuse visas for individuals who spread, or are likely to spread, hate and division in Australia.

Education and enforcement

Education Minister Jason Clare announced a 12-month antisemitism education taskforce, to be chaired by David Gonski, aimed at strengthening prevention and response measures within schools.

For the first time, the Commonwealth has activated disaster recovery payments to support victims of a terror attack, with federal and NSW governments agreeing to provide financial assistance.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett confirmed the AFP is investigating individuals described as "hate preachers" and that further search warrants will be executed as part of the Bondi Beach investigation.

"These individuals who spew hatred and cause fear are on my radar," Barrett said.

Bondi Beach attack

Alleged gunman Naveed Akram, 24, has been charged with 59 offences, including terrorism, over the Bondi Beach attack in which 15 people were killed and 49 injured. Police allege homemade Islamic State flags were found in the vehicle used in the attack.

Asked whether the attack was religiously motivated, Albanese said it was driven by extremism.

"This was IS-inspired," he said. "IS distorts and corrupts Islam, leading to radicalisation."

The prime minister said Australia has "no time" for organisations whose mission is to divide the country or promote hatred toward fellow Australians.