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Politics Religious Freedom

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.

Politics Religious Freedom

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.

Politics Religious Freedom

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.

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.