PM Albanese Announces New Hate Speech Laws Following Bondi Beach Terror Attack

Government Responds to Bondi Beach Tragedy with Legislative Reforms

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a comprehensive package of new hate speech laws on Thursday, December 18, 2025, following a deadly terror attack at Bondi Beach. The reforms aim to lower the threshold for prosecuting hate speech and address rising antisemitic and Islamophobic sentiment across the country. The announcement came as the nation mourned, with the funeral of 10-year-old Matilda, the youngest victim of the attack, taking place in Sydney.

Details of the Bondi Beach Terror Attack

The tragic incident occurred on Sunday, December 14, 2025, during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney. The attack, described as a mass shooting and a terrorist act, resulted in the deaths of 15 victims and left several others injured, including two police officers. Authorities identified the alleged perpetrators as a father and son, Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24. Sajid Akram was killed by police at the scene, while Naveed Akram sustained critical injuries and has since been charged with 59 offenses, including terrorism and 15 counts of murder. Investigations suggest the attack appeared to be inspired by Islamic State.

Proposed Legislative Changes to Combat Hate Speech

The new legislative and policy changes outlined by Prime Minister Albanese include a range of measures designed to strengthen Australia's legal framework against hate and division:

• Introduction of new federal offenses for 'aggravated hate speech', specifically targeting preachers and organizational leaders who incite violence or racial hatred.
• Increased penalties for speech that promotes violence.
• Making hatred an aggravating factor in sentencing for crimes involving online threats or harassment.
• Expanded powers for the Home Affairs Minister to cancel or deny visas to non-citizens who spread hate and division.
• Development of a regime for formally listing organizations whose leaders engage in hate speech promoting violence or racial hatred.
• Creation of a task force to ensure the country's education system 'prevents, tackles and properly responds' to antisemitism.
• A new federal offense for serious vilification based on race and/or advocating racial supremacy.

Prime Minister Albanese acknowledged that 'more could have always been done' to combat antisemitism, which has seen a documented rise in Australia. He emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring 'there is no place in Australia for anti-Semitism'.

Farewell to Youngest Victim, Matilda

The announcement of the new laws coincided with the funeral of Matilda, the youngest victim of the Bondi Beach attack. The 10-year-old was laid to rest in Sydney on Thursday, December 18, 2025. She was remembered as a 'ray of sunshine' who loved animals and dancing. Her mother, Valentyna, shared that Matilda was their first child born in Australia after their family immigrated from Ukraine. Rabbi Yehoram Ulman described her death as a 'tragic, so totally cruel, unfathomable murder'.