Plan to expel preachers spewing hate after Bondi attack
People found to be spouting racial hatred could have their visas cancelled as the government seeks to stamp out extremism after the deadly Bondi attack.
Image: Mick Tzikas/AAP
Hate preachers will be targeted under strengthened laws that will strip people of their right to be in Australia if found to be sowing division.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday unveiled hate speech reforms as pressure mounts over the government’s response to the Bondi massacre.
“Australians are shocked and angry. I am angry,” he told reporters at Parliament House.
“It is clear we need to do more to combat this evil scourge, much more.”
The changes include an aggravated hate speech offence for preachers and leaders who promote violence.
Hate will be made an aggravating factor in sentencing crimes related to online threats and harassment, and penalties will be hiked for speech promoting violence.
Organisations whose leaders are found to be engaging in hate speech promoting violence or racial hatred will be listed.
The home affairs minister will also have new powers to cancel or reject visas for those who spread hate and division in Australia, and for those who would if allowed to visit.
A 12-month task force led by David Gonski, a leader in the education sector, will focus on anti-Semitism in schools and universities.
The changes expand the hate speech laws that passed the parliament in February.
Mr Albanese indicated parliament would not be recalled to rush through the proposed legislation as the government wanted to consult on the “complex” laws.
Following a meeting of the national security committee, the prime minister said the government fully supports and adopts the report handed down to tackle anti-Semitism.
Special envoy to combat anti-Semitism Jillian Segal said the legislative package was an “important next step”.
Ms Segal completed her report earlier this year, which she said required more detailed implementation plans.
The eSafety commissioner, Ms Segal and the communications minister will work together to provide online safety advice to tackle hatred.
Jewish community groups and the coalition have criticised Labor for what they have labelled inadequate action over anti-Semitism.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has called a snap shadow cabinet meeting for Thursday afternoon to consider a “practical” package developed by the coalition’s task force on anti-Semitism.
The measures are designed to eradicate hatred against Jewish people and disrupt extremist networks.
Police say they found two homemade Islamic State flags in a car registered to one of the shooters, Naveed Akram, who was born in Australia.
The 24-year-old is facing 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder, over his involvement in the nation’s deadliest massacre since Port Arthur in 1996.
The other gunman, his 50-year-old father Sajid Akram, was killed at the scene. He arrived in Australia in 1998 on a student visa.
By: Farid Farid, Grace Crivellaro and Tess Ikonomou/AAP with Wire
