Sydney, Australia — Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced sweeping new legislation to combat hate speech and radicalisation following the Bondi Beach shooting, where two gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah festival, killing fifteen people. The measures, unveiled in Canberra, represent one of the most significant shifts in Australia’s approach to hate speech in decades.

The new laws will create a federal offence of “aggravated hate speech,” expand the powers of the Home Affairs Minister to cancel or refuse visas for individuals who spread hate, and establish a national taskforce to ensure schools and universities actively prevent and respond to antisemitism. Sentencing reforms will also recognise hate as an aggravating factor in crimes involving online threats and harassment, while preachers and community leaders who incite violence will face prosecution.

Albanese said the reforms were designed to protect Jewish Australians and strengthen national unity. “Every Jewish Australian has the right to feel safe, valued and respected for the contribution that they make to our great nation,” he told reporters. “The terrorists, inspired by ISIS, sought to divide us. Australians have responded with love and sympathy for those in mourning.”

Security concerns remain high. Police detained seven men in southwest Sydney after receiving intelligence about a possible violent act. Authorities stressed there was no link to the Bondi attack, but the arrests highlight the tense atmosphere across the country.

Antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal described the moment as critical for both Australia and the global fight against antisemitism. Albanese pledged to adopt her July recommendations, though critics warn the measures could restrict free speech, particularly around pro-Palestinian activism. The Jewish Council of Australia welcomed stronger protections but cautioned that “ideological policing” could silence legitimate criticism of Israel. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry said it would reserve judgment until details of the legislation were released.

Albanese acknowledged his government had not acted quickly enough after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, but vowed to “unite the nation, not divide it.” The reforms place Australia at the forefront of a broader international debate over how democracies balance freedom of expression with the need to curb hate speech and extremism.