The Albanese Government is writing new laws over Christmas to stamp out hate preachers and beef up criminal consequences for people who make racist threats. Source: Sydney Morning Herald.
The Government is prepared to recall Parliament next month to vote on tougher action on antisemitism after Sunday’s Bondi massacre.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese yesterday conceded he could have done more to tackle rising hate towards Jewish people before 15 people were killed in the Bondi terror attack, as he unveiled a five-point plan that includes reviewing the education system and powers to reject more visas.
As Opposition Leader Sussan Ley demanded Parliament be recalled next week, a government source said the departments of Home Affairs and the Attorney-General would work through Christmas and the new year to fast-track the legislation, and MPs would be called back early if the laws were right.
Mr Albanese’s leadership has been blasted by the Coalition and Liberal luminaries while the Jewish community expresses its grief and fury.
Political divides have widened as Ms Ley and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns attended funerals of shooting victims, while Mr Albanese has not, steering clear of the Bondi massacre site since laying flowers on Monday, while other Labor ministers have been jeered.
Mr Albanese yesterday said he respected the wishes of families and would continue engaging with them, and that he’d had several difficult conversations while visiting homes throughout the week.
Asked if he would make a statement of contrition, given warnings that the Jewish community feared for its safety, the Prime Minister said more could have always been done.
“I accept my responsibility for the part in that as Prime Minister of Australia, but what I also do is accept my responsibility to lead the nation, and unite the nation,” he said.
“Anyone in this position would regret not doing more, and any inadequacies which are there. But what we need to do is to move forward. We are taking action. We have taken action … We’ll continue to do more, and today as well won’t be the end. This is an evolving process.”
FULL STORY
Labor races to write new laws targeting hate preachers over Christmas (By Natassia Chrysanthos, Nick Newling and Brittany Busch, Sydney Morning Herald)
RELATED COVERAGE
Albanese announces tougher hate speech laws in wake of Bondi terror attack (ABC News)
Government ministers knock back Jewish leaders’ calls for Bondi royal commission (The Australian)
