Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has called Parliament back into session earlier than initially scheduled, spurred by the tragic mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney during the summer break.
In a decisive move, the Government plans to introduce new legislation aimed at designating hate crimes as serious offenses, alongside a national firearm buyback initiative. Albanese asserted the urgency of addressing both elements of this crisis, stating, “The terrorists on Bondi Beach held hatred in their hearts and weapons in their hands. This law must tackle both parts, and we have to confront both challenges.”
The somber reality was etched into the nation’s memory on December 14, when two gunmen unleashed gunfire at a Jewish gathering on the iconic beach, resulting in the deaths of 15 individuals.
In response to this violence, the federal government has engaged in discussions about strengthening hate speech laws, which includes the establishment of a formal system to identify and list hate organizations. Additionally, the ruling Labor Party has pledged to roll out its firearms buyback program starting July 1.
When Parliament reconvenes next Monday and Tuesday, lawmakers will table the bills that will expand the ban on prohibited symbols and streamline the process for the Home Secretary to revoke visas. The proposed measures will criminalize participation in, recruitment for, and support of any designated hate groups.
“We want to ensure that Australia remains a society where everyone can take pride in their identity,” Albanese declared. “We will make it clear that hateful, dangerous, and divisive behavior will not be tolerated by our laws.” He further emphasized, “Just as antisemitism and racism violate our Australian values, they must also breach Australian law.”
In a bid for accountability, Australia has announced a royal commission inquiry into the mass shooting—the country’s most comprehensive form of public investigation.
The suspected attackers have been identified as 24-year-old Naveed Akram and his 50-year-old father, Sajid Akram, the latter of whom was shot dead by police during the assault. Authorities have indicated that both men were motivated by the extremist group Islamic State (IS).
— Ritzau
