Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged a wide-ranging crackdown on hate, division and radicalisation following a mass shooting at a Jewish festival on Bondi Beach that left 15 people dead.
“Australians are shocked and angry. I am angry. It is clear we need to do more to combat this evil scourge, much more,” Mr Albanese said at a news conference, reports RTE.
The prime minister set out a package of measures aimed at alleged extremist preachers, tougher penalties, and the refusal or cancellation of visas for individuals who promote “hate and division”.
As he spoke, mourners gathered for the funeral of 10-year-old Matilda, the youngest of those killed while celebrating Hanukkah on Sunday, reports RTE.
Members of the Jewish Australian community and others have criticised the prime minister for failing to take stronger action earlier to protect them amid rising antisemitism.
Mr Albanese said new “aggravated hate speech” laws would target preachers and leaders who incite hatred and violence, reports RTE.
He also promised tougher penalties.
Australia will introduce a system for listing organisations whose leaders engage in hate speech, he said, reports RTE.
“Serious vilification” based on race or the promotion of racial supremacy will become a federal crime.
The government will also expand the powers of the home affairs minister to cancel or refuse visas for people who spread “hate and division”, he said, reports RTE.
Mr Albanese said a task force would be established with a 12-month mandate to ensure the education system “properly responds” to antisemitism.
“Every Jewish Australian has the right to be proud of who they are and what they believe,” he said, reports RTE.
“And every Jewish Australian has the right to feel safe, valued and respected for the contribution that they make to our great nation,” he added, reports RTE.
Australia’s response to anti-Jewish prejudice “has been a long time coming”, according to the country’s antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal, reports RTE.
“We stand, I think, at a very important moment, not only for our community, but for fighting anti-Semitism around the world,” she added, reports RTE.
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