Despite the Law Council of Australia raising serious concerns over risks to freedom of political speech, federal parliament has passed a new hate crime law that will see jail time for publicly displaying prohibited Nazi symbols or giving a Nazi salute.
The Criminal Code Amendment (Hate Crimes) Bill 2024 was supported by Labor, the Liberal-Nationals Coalition, and the Greens.
Financing terrorism and associating with terrorist organisations carry new sentences under a mandatory minimum sentencing regime. Mandatory minimum sentencing imposes fixed minimum penalties for specific crimes, which limits judicial discretion.
Sydney Criminal Lawyers say that ‘for the most part [it] will target Muslims’, while academic website, The Conversation, says it has a ‘poor track record of reducing crime’.
As lawmakers tighten freedoms around speech, Australia does not have a national Human Rights Act or a Bill of Rights.
Local MP in support
Local Labor MP, Justine Elliot, told The Echo, ‘I supported it because standing against hate is integral to my values of fairness, safety, and respect for all people. This law is the strongest Australia has ever had against hate crimes, ensuring everyone can live freely and without fear. We are all aware of the recent hateful attacks on members of the Jewish community, which is deeply concerning. Antisemitism and hate speech have no place in our country, and that’s why this reform matters.’
Nationals in support
Nationals candidate Kimberly Hone told The Echo, ‘Strengthening laws to protect our community is essential’.
‘A culture of tolerance, acceptance, and diversity is only possible if we defend Australian values and our way of life. The Albanese Labor government failed to take decisive action on this critical issue, only amending its own legislation after pressure to do so. These stronger laws are long overdue.
‘After I met with the Never Again Is Now organisation last year, I committed to making all Australians feel safer. I welcome the Coalition’s stance on tougher penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences for terrorism offences, stronger laws against Nazi and terrorist symbols, new offences for attacks on places of worship, and harsher penalties for religiously-motivated property damage. These measures are critical to keeping Australians safe.
‘Terrorist incidents have escalated to alarming levels in NSW, including the firebombing of a synagogue and an attempted mass-casualty attack with a bomb-laden caravan. Many Australians now live in fear – worried about attacks on their homes, businesses, and places of gathering. The prime minister’s failure to show leadership has only worsened this crisis.
‘I will fight to establish a national task force, directing law enforcement agencies to prioritise antisemitic crimes, strengthening visa cancellation laws for offenders, and providing essential security funding to protect vulnerable communities. This is the strong, effective response the people of Richmond are asking for’.
Greens position
Federal Greens candidate, Mandy Nolan, told The Echo, ‘I unequivocally condemn all forms of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and hate. Our strength lies in our diversity and our ability to stand together in the face of hatred. There is no place for antisemitism, Islamophobia, or any form of racism or hatred in our society. Our community is stronger when we stand together.’
‘I do not support mandatory sentencing for the same reason that the Labor Party apparently did, up until last week – it is an attack on the separation of powers and does not make our country safer.
‘I agree with the Law Council of Australia, which also strongly opposes mandatory minimum sentencing, and supports greater resources for countering violent extremism, through early intervention programs for children and young people.’
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
