What’s on your mind, Allegra?

Independent MP Allegra Spender has called on parliament to unite in the fight against antisemitism and hate by passing hate speech laws that impose criminal penalties for spreading the hate that leads to violence, even when it doesn’t directly call for violence.

She is the Independent member of parliament for Wentworth, an electorate within Bondi Beach falls.

The proposed Hate Speech laws would be based on the existing West Australian legislation and amendments moved by Allegra Spender earlier this year but rejected by both the government and opposition in February.

“We should start by returning to Parliament on Monday to pass hate speech laws, and to stand together as the Australian parliament and commit to building our country back better – fulfilling the promise that modern Australia is based on – that everyone should be able to be safe and welcome here, regardless of faith, ethnicity or sexuality.

I am pleased the Government will revisit hate speech laws, but it is not yet clear what form this will take, and I am concerned that they won’t address some of the hatred that underpins violent extremism.

On Sunday violent extremists launched a murderous attack against Australian families celebrating their love of faith, family, and friends at Bondi Beach.

We know that words matter. Our current law sets the bar too high by only criminalising speech that advocates violence directly.

Speech that promotes hatred of vulnerable groups can lead to violent extremism even if it doesn’t directly advocate violence. Here in Australia, hate preachers have called for “the final solution” for Jews, and a “Jihad against the Jews,” yet our current laws don’t criminalise such speech. This hatred has extended to the targeting of the trans community, with placards reading ‘die pedo freaks’.

Enough is enough.”

Spender is also calling on the Prime Minister to appoint a dedicated Cabinet Minister for Social Cohesion to ensure leadership, timelines and accountability for both delivering the plan to combat antisemitism, as well as addressing broader issues of social cohesion in our country. This Minister should be backed by a cross-parliamentary committee on social cohesion.

She continued: “All Australians are shocked by what has happened on Sunday. It is the darkest day in recent Australian history and there is a danger that the aftermath will tear our cohesion further. Building back the safety and unity of our community is vital work for the country and needs dedicated focus.

This isn’t a part time job, nor something the PM can do himself, and requires greater coordination than being split across ministers. In business, if it is everyone’s responsibility, it is no one’s. I respect the intent of the ministers working on this, but we need one person who is the point person across the government.

But this needs to be backed up by a parliamentary committee that truly tries to work across party political lines. I know many in the country are concerned that politicians cannot bring the country together when we need to. A parliamentary committee can support this. I will work with everyone in good will across the parliament and consider every positive policy suggestion put forward.”Spender welcomes the Prime Minister’s commitment to act to combat antisemitism and crack down on hate and extremism. She has also welcomed the announcement by the Opposition of their determination to fight antisemitism and enhance counter-terrorism efforts, and will go through the details of their proposals as they emerge.

People who seek to promote hatred, incite violence and sow division should not be granted visas to this country. If they are citizens, then we must ensure our criminal justice system – including hate speech law – is suitably equipped to deal with them.

However, it is the detail and action that matter rather than political statements.”