Overview
- Parliament has been recalled next week to debate the Combating Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill, which pairs a national gun buyback and AusCheck intelligence screening with new hate‑offence and visa powers, as a snap inquiry takes evidence this week.
- ASIO chief Mike Burgess backed stronger powers to list extremist groups, warning that inflamed language can escalate tensions and lead to violence.
- The National Socialist Network said it will fully disband by January 18, along with linked projects, to avoid being listed or prosecuted under the proposed framework.
- The Executive Council of Australian Jewry welcomed tougher measures but flagged shortcomings including a narrow religious‑text exemption, limited protected categories, and the absence of a recklessness standard, with the government signalling openness to broaden protections after passage.
- Political and state resistance persists, with Liberal and Nationals figures questioning the omnibus approach and speech thresholds and leaders in the Northern Territory and Tasmania rejecting or questioning buyback cost‑sharing.