Australia’s Parliament has enacted what the federal government describes as the toughest hate crime and extremism laws in the nation’s history, a sweeping legislative package passed in the wake of the deadly December Bondi Beach attack that killed fifteen people and was widely condemned as an act of terrorism.

The newly adopted Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Act 2026 significantly strengthens the legal framework for addressing hate-motivated offences, broadens the definition and scope of hate conduct, and hands expanded powers to authorities to designate organisations and individuals for engaging in or promoting extremist activity.

The laws build on existing criminal offences and establish heavier penalties, including aggravated sentences for those who incite violence or hatred against protected groups and leaders who endorse such conduct, and create fresh measures to counter online radicalisation.

Under the new regime, the Home Affairs Minister has authority to deny or cancel visas for non-citizens whose conduct is hate-motivated or tied to extremist rhetoric and activity, marking a major change in how migration law intersects with public safety.

The legislation also tightens controls on firearm importation and makes it an offence to access, distribute, possess or control materials used for manufacturing firearms and explosives, reflecting the government’s twin objectives of reducing both hateful conduct and lethal violence.

Aggravated offences carry substantially increased sentences, reflecting the government’s determination to deter actions that threaten social cohesion and public security.

The passage of these laws has catalysed reactions across Australia’s political and social landscape.

Some groups previously under scrutiny, including Hizb ut-Tahrir, altered their online operations in response to the legislation’s hate group designation provisions and have signalled plans to legally challenge aspects of the law, which they portray as overly broad.

At the same time, key community leaders have welcomed strengthened criminal penalties and the formal mechanisms to address discriminatory and violent conduct.

The reforms have also prompted political debate within the Opposition coalition about the scope and application of the new powers.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has urged unity around the legislative package, underscoring the government’s view that robust laws are required to confront hate-motivated violence and protect all Australians.

The laws are scheduled for periodic review and represent a significant shift in the federal government’s approach to criminal justice, migration control and the prevention of hate and extremist violence.