Australian PM Vows to Combat Hate Speech Following Bondi Beach Shooting

Thu Dec 18 2025 16:07:03 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In the wake of a tragic shooting incident targeting a Jewish event, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announces new laws aimed at addressing hate speech and antisemitism in Australia.

Following the Bondi Beach shooting that claimed fifteen lives, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledges to implement stricter laws against hate speech. New measures will empower the home affairs minister to revoke visas for hate promoters and establish a taskforce to tackle antisemitism in schools. Albanese emphasizes the need for unity amid rising hate and divides. He acknowledges previous failures in adequately addressing antisemitism since the October attack on Israel.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declared a crackdown on hate speech following the deadly shooting at Bondi Beach that targeted a Jewish festival last Sunday, resulting in the deaths of fifteen individuals.

In a press conference, Albanese announced that his government would introduce new legislation aimed at combatting hate speech, stating, We will target those who spread hate, division, and radicalisation. This move comes in the wake of public outrage and fear within the Jewish community after the violent attack.

Under the proposed laws, the home affairs minister will be granted enhanced powers to cancel or deny visas to individuals associated with hate speech. A dedicated taskforce will be formed to ensure that the education system across Australia is equipped to prevent and respond to antisemitism effectively.

The new legislation would also include severe penalties for religious leaders who endorse violence, introduce a federal offence termed aggravated hate speech, and treat the promotion of hate as an aggravating factor in sentencing for online threats.

Albanese stated, Every Jewish Australian has the right to feel safe, valued, and respected for the contributions that they make to our great nation. He condemned the terrorists whose acts sought to incite division among Australians, underscoring the nation's call for love and solidarity in mourning.

Additionally, the Prime Minister committed to fully supporting the recommendations put forth by antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal, who recently emphasized the imperative issue of fighting antisemitism in Australia and globally.

While some have criticized her report for its implications on free speech, the government maintains that it aims to shift the threshold against individuals exploiting free speech to promote harmful rhetoric.

Lastly, Albanese has acknowledged criticisms regarding his government's response to antisemitism since recent tensions escalated following the October attack on Israel, accepting responsibility and affirming his commitment to uniting the nation.