Overview
- Australia’s National Socialist Network says it will shut down by January 18, folding linked projects, to avoid prosecution under proposed offences targeting listed hate organisations.
- The draft package creates crimes for hate preachers and for inciting hatred to harass, establishes a mechanism to outlaw hate groups with penalties up to 15 years for organisers and seven for members, expands visa cancellation powers, and advances firearms reforms including a national buyback.
- At a snap inquiry, Attorney‑General’s Department officials said the religious‑text defence is very narrow and protects only direct quotations used for teaching or discussion, with any commentary or broader conduct still captured if thresholds are met.
- Jewish community leaders offered qualified support while warning of gaps such as the religious‑text carve‑out and the exclusion of attributes like sexuality and gender identity; the government signalled it will consider broader protections after this bill passes.
- ASIO chief Mike Burgess argued that inflammatory language can drive violence and backed the listing power, as Coalition divisions over free‑speech concerns surfaced and a senior US State Department official publicly criticised the carve‑out as potentially producing perverse outcomes.