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Parliament votes for tougher hate crime lawsÂ
Displaying hate symbols, funding terrorism and terror crimes will now carry mandatory minimum sentences federally after hate crime laws successfully passed Parliament yesterday. Source: News.com.au.
Ecumenical prayer service marks opening of 2025 Parliamentary Year
The annual ecumenical prayer service to mark the opening of the 2025 Parliamentary Year was held yesterday at St Christopher’s Cathedral, Canberra. Source: Catholic Voice.
New push to beef up hate speech laws in wake of anti-Semitic attacks
A new bid to stamp out hate speech would impose criminal penalties on people who promote hatred over race, religion, gender and other factors in a crossbench move challenging Labor and the Coalition to toughen the law. Source: The Age.
New hate-speech laws could be in force within weeks
Hate speech laws criminalising violent threats against racial or religious groups could be in force within weeks, as Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus rejects claims that the Albanese Government’s policies on Israel have fuelled a surge in anti-Semitism. Source: The Age.
Government, Opposition close to deal on hate speech laws
Labor and the Coalition are within sight of a deal to pass new laws against violent hate speech when federal Parliament resumes in February, as both major parties vow to act on antisemitism. Source: The Age.
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.
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.
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.
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.