Senior Jewish figures in Australia have issued a stark warning, calling for a last-minute political compromise to enact robust new hate speech laws. The plea comes after the Albanese government decided to split a contentious legislative package, dropping proposed criminal offences for serious vilification.
Community 'Disappointed' as Vilification Measures Dropped
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) expressed deep concern following the government's announcement. The decision to separate the draft laws means new gun controls, immigration powers, and a scheme to ban extremist organisations are likely to pass parliament. However, the most controversial elements targeting hate speech and intimidation have been paused due to opposition from across the political spectrum.
Peter Wertheim, co-chief executive of the ECAJ, stated it was "disappointing" that the serious vilification offence was abandoned. He warned this sends a dangerous message that the deliberate promotion of racial hatred is not considered serious enough to be criminalised.
"How much worse do things need to get before we as a nation finally have the courage to tackle the deliberate promotion of antisemitic hatred that is the heart of the problem?" Wertheim asked on Sunday. The ECAJ has implored Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley to urgently thrash out a deal on new protections.
Political Blame Game Amid Rushed Legislative Process
The legislative package was drafted in response to the IS-inspired terror attack on 14 December, which killed 15 people at a Jewish Hanukah event. Parliament is set to hear condolence motions for the victims on Monday, with two bills concerning the non-controversial measures to be considered by MPs on Tuesday.
The opposition has blamed the government for a botched process. Jonathon Duniam, the shadow home affairs minister, accused the government of having "completely stuffed this up." He argued proper consultation with all communities and parties should have occurred weeks ago, not in an "11th-hour process."
In response, Labor's Senate manager, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher, challenged Sussan Ley to unite her party and support the measures, recalling Ley's initial offer of support after the Bondi Beach attack.
Mixed Reactions from Community Groups
While Jewish leaders push for the hate speech provisions, other groups have welcomed the pause. The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (Afic) criticised the rushed timeline after the draft bills were released only last week.
Afic's president, Rateb Jneid, raised alarms about the proposed powers to designate hate organisations, warning they relied on "secret evidence and political discretion." He argued this approach transforms law into ideology backed by state force, which is not fitting for a democratic nation.
The elements of the bill still progressing include:
- The largest gun buyback scheme since the Port Arthur massacre.
- Tougher rules and penalties for gun importations.
- New criminal offences for publishing online material related to manufacturing firearms and explosives.
- Powers to ban extremist groups like neo-Nazi organisations and Hizb ut-Tahrir.
- Enhanced visa powers to refuse or revoke visas for individuals with extremist views.
As parliament prepares for a special sitting, the focus remains on whether political leaders can bridge the divide and deliver the hate speech protections demanded by a community feeling increasingly vulnerable.
