Australian Government Adopts Mandatory Sentences for Hate Crimes and Terror Offences

Labor reverses stance under opposition pressure, introducing minimum penalties to address antisemitism and hate speech concerns.

The Australian government has agreed to mandatory minimum sentences for terror-related offences and hate crimes, a departure from Labor's traditional stance.
The amendments include sentences of six years for terrorism offences, three years for financing terrorism, and one year for displaying hate symbols.
Labor's decision follows sustained criticism from the Coalition over its handling of rising antisemitic incidents in the country.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended the shift, emphasizing the need for strong action against hate crimes while maintaining it aligns with government processes.
The policy change has been met with criticism from some quarters, including the Greens, who argue it undermines judicial independence and contradicts Labor's platform.