Australia has strengthened its hate crime laws, introducing mandatory jail terms ranging from one to six years for offenses involving hate symbols, including performing a Nazi salute. The amendments, passed by Parliament on Thursday, come after several antisemitic hate crimes that triggered a national debate over the matter.
Since January 2024, laws have already prohibited Nazi salutes and the display of Nazi symbols such as the swastika, carrying up to one year in prison. The newly passed amendments now make these sentences mandatory.
The BBC says that the Labor government, lead by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, called the changes the "toughest laws Australia has ever had against hate crimes."
Under the new measures, individuals who display hate symbols, including performing a Nazi salute, will face a minimum of one year in prison. The law also sets a three-year minimum sentence for financing terrorism and at least six years for committing or planning terrorist act.
The newly passed amendments now make sentences for displaying hate symbols mandatory. This comes after multiple attacks targeting Jewish communities in Australia.
Just last week, authorities in Sydney discovered a caravan filled with explosives along with an antisemitic note. This followed an arson attack on a childcare center near a Jewish school and synagogue, where antisemitic graffiti was also found.
In December, a Melbourne synagogue was intentionally set ablaze while worshippers were inside. No one was seriously injured.
Former Labor Senator Kim Carr condemned the amendments, calling them a "clear breach of the Labor Party national platform." The party historically opposed mandatory sentencing, arguing it is ineffective in reducing crime, undermines judicial independence, and disproportionately impacts certain groups.
Despite the concerns, opposition leaders were not quick to praise the government's move. "The parliament is not acting today because of the decisiveness of the Labor Party," said Liberal Senator James Paterson. "The prime minister has been dragged kicking and screaming to finally introduce tough legislation that will ensure there are real penalties for this behavior."
"This is not about politics," Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated as he introduced the amendments. "This is about whether the Australian Parliament believes it's acceptable to advocate, threaten, or commit violence against another person because of who they are, who they pray to, or who they love."
