The legislation further bolsters “the toughest federal hate crime laws in Australian history”
The federal government has passed the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Act 2026, strengthening what it described as “the toughest federal hate crime laws in Australian history”.
The bill was drafted in response to the 14 December Bondi Beach massacre. It builds on Commonwealth criminal offences to tackle the spread of hatred and extremism, including antisemitism. Moreover, it modifies migration laws to authorise the home affairs minister to deny or cancel visas based on hate-motivated conduct and offences involving the spread of hatred and extremism.
The law also levies heavier penalties on hate crime offences. It imposes novel aggravated penalties on preachers and leaders who encourage and threaten violence.
The Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Act 2026 boosts firearm importation controls and introduces new offences related to accessing, distributing, possessing or controlling online material for firearms and explosives manufacture.
“The legislation sends a clear message that those who seek to spread hate and division, including those who seek to radicalise our youth, will be met with appropriate penalties”, attorney-general Michelle Rowland said.
Home affairs minister Tony Burke added that the new laws addressed the Bondi attackers’ motivation and method by enhancing gun laws and cracking down on hate speech.
