Australia Introduces Bill to Strengthen Efforts Against Hate Crimes, Reuters Reports

Australia’s New Hate Crime Legislation

SYDNEY – Australia’s centre-left government has introduced new legislation aimed at addressing hate crimes, which would establish criminal penalties, including incarceration, for those who target individuals based on their race, gender, ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation.

This bill is a response to an increase in hate incidents following the Israel-Gaza conflict and builds on significant laws enacted last year that prohibited the Nazi salute and public displays of symbols associated with terrorist organizations.

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus stated, "No Australian should be targeted because of who they are or what they believe. We proudly live in a vibrant, multicultural and diverse community that we must protect and strengthen."

The proposed legislation includes penalties of up to five years in prison for individuals who threaten violent actions against a person or group, particularly if such threats instill fear of imminent harm. Those whose threats jeopardize government safety could face up to seven years in prison.

Additionally, the Labor government is set to introduce legislation to combat "doxxing," which involves the malicious sharing of personal information online. This measure would impose a prison sentence of up to six years for offenders.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese previously committed to taking action against doxxing after anti-Israel groups published the names, social media profiles, and other personal details of hundreds of Jewish Australians online.

The anti-doxxing legislation would allow victims to sue for significant breaches of privacy, while providing exemptions for journalists and intelligence agencies.