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Politics Religious Freedom

Jewish MP calls for mandatory sentences for anti-Semitic attacks

One of Australia’s most prominent Jewish MPs has called for National Cabinet to convene this week and bring in mandatory sentences for criminals who attack synagogues, as multiple incidents of hate are referred to counter-terrorism police. Source: The Australian.

Politics Victoria

Victorian Premier announces new measures to tackle anti-Semitism

Melbourne Archbishop Peter A Comensoli has welcomed the Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan’s proposed measures to confront anti-Semitism, dangerous demonstrations and strengthen social cohesion across the state. Source: Melbourne Catholic.

Politics Social Justice

Remaining Bali Nine members return to Australia after 19 years in Indonesian prison

The remaining five members of the Bali Nine have returned to Australia after spending two decades in an Indonesian prison for their roles in a botched drug smuggling operation. Source: ABC News.

Politics Religious Freedom

Senator wants hate speech bill expanded to protect places of worship

Liberal senator Paul Scarr has called for Labor’s hate speech bill to be expanded to create an offence of “urging or threatening” an attack on a place of worship, amid a surge in anti-Semitism. Source: The Australian.

Politics

Labor pushes through bills in frantic day of negotiation

Labor is claiming victory in its fight to deliver help to households before the federal election after winning Senate votes on housing, food prices and social media policies, while also securing a deal to toughen migration laws. Source: The Age.

Politics Social media

Australians won’t have to hand over ID when using social media, minister vows

Australians will not be compelled to hand over personal identification to big tech companies as part of the Government’s world-first under-16s social media ban, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has pledged. Source: The Guardian.

Housing Politics

Labor’s housing bills to pass after Greens backflip

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has secured the passage of his housing agenda through the Parliament in a significant pre-Christmas win after staring down demands from the Greens. Source: The Australian.

Misinformation Politics

Labor formally abandons misinformation bill 

The Albanese Government has formally abandoned proposed laws that would have forced social media companies to police misinformation and outright lies on their platforms. Source: ABC News 

Politics Religious Freedom

Labor’s watered down hate speech laws fail to appease faith groups

Labor has substantially watered down proposed hate speech laws, but is nevertheless facing a religious backlash, with claims it would turn Australia into a police state by creating “thought crime”. Source: The Guardian.