Australia will bring in new hate speech laws after an alleged Islamic State-inspired terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on Sunday. The attack killed 15 Jewish people who had gathered to celebrate Hanukkah.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the proposed legal changes on Thursday. He said the government would strengthen laws to deal with hate-driven violence, online threats, and extremist preaching.

Tougher penalties for hate speech and online abuse

The new legal package will include a stricter hate speech offense. This will apply to preachers and leaders who encourage or promote violence. The government also plans to raise penalties for online threats and harassment.

Under the proposal, courts will treat hate as an aggravating factor during sentencing. This means offenders could face longer or tougher punishment.

Albanese said these steps aim to close gaps in the law and send a clear warning to those spreading hatred.

Listing of hate groups and new vilification offense

The government will also create a system to list organisations whose leaders engage in hate speech. In addition, it plans to introduce a narrow federal offense for serious vilification based on race or for advocating racial supremacy.

The prime minister announced these measures after a meeting of the National Security Committee.

Government under pressure over antisemitism

Albanese is facing growing criticism over how his centre-left government has handled rising antisemitism over the past two years. Critics say this trend led to Sunday’s mass killing.

Former Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, who lost family members in the Holocaust, described the Bondi attack as the “greatest stain” on Australia.

Albanese strongly defended the Jewish community. “Every Jewish Australian has the right to be proud of who they are and what they believe,” Albanese said.

“And every Jewish Australian has the right to feel safe, valued and respected.”

Visa powers to target those spreading hate

The government will also give new authority to the home affairs minister. These powers will allow officials to cancel or refuse visas to people who spread hatred or division.

Albanese said this would apply to those who promote hate in Australia or would do so if allowed to enter the country.

Support from antisemitism envoy and education push

Australia’s Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Jillian Segal, welcomed the move. She said the changes were long overdue. “This more formal response has been a long time coming but, of course, it does build on a range of activities and work that started as soon as the report was delivered,” she said.

Albanese also announced a 12-month education taskforce. Prominent business leader David Gonski will lead it. The taskforce will work to ensure schools address and prevent antisemitism.

Investigation into Bondi Beach attack continues

Police have charged the surviving gunman, a 24-year-old identified as Naveed Akram, with 59 offenses. These include murder and terrorism. His 50-year-old father, who was also involved in the attack, died during the shootout.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said officers will carry out more search warrants in the coming days. She said investigators are working with local and international partners to track the attackers’ movements in Australia and overseas.

Links to Islamic State under scrutiny

Police found Islamic State flags inside a vehicle registered to one of the attackers. Authorities also confirmed that the father and son had travelled last month to an area in the Philippines where Islamic State-linked groups have operated.

However, Philippine officials said there is no evidence the attackers received training there.

The AFP is also monitoring hate preachers. “These individuals who spew hatred and cause fear are on my radar,” Barrett said.

Possible gun law changes and parliamentary action

The New South Wales Parliament will meet again on Monday. Lawmakers are expected to consider tougher gun laws in response to the attack.

Albanese said he is open to recalling the national parliament but wants broad political agreement first. “But we want to make sure that we get it right,” he said.

“We want to also consult to make sure that there is broad support across the parliament for this.”

Situation at Bondi now stabilising

Police removed the crime scene at Bondi Beach on Thursday morning after completing operations at the site. Health authorities said 17 people were still hospitalised as of 8 a.m. Thursday.