Australia has passed a new hate speech bill in the aftermath of last month’s attack on a Jewish gathering near Bondi Beach, a move the government says is aimed at strengthening protections against extremist violence. The legislation expands the state’s powers to outlaw organisations deemed “hateful” and to criminalise serious hate-based offences, with lawmakers pointing to rising concerns over organised extremism and politically motivated violence.

Under the new framework, groups such as neo-Nazi organisations and Hizb ut-Tahrir have been cited by officials as examples of entities that could face bans if they are judged to promote hatred or incite violence. The most serious offences under the bill carry penalties of up to 15 years in prison, signalling a significant escalation in how Australian authorities intend to deal with ideologically driven hate movements.

However, the bill has drawn sharp criticism from parts of the Muslim community. In a joint statement, several Muslim organisations and leaders, writing under The Ummah Today, argued that the legislation applies unevenly, claiming that measures restricting “white Australia” have been softened or delayed, while provisions they say disproportionately affect Muslims are being pushed through parliament. Critics warn that, without clear safeguards, the law risks conflating political or religious expression with extremism, potentially eroding civil liberties rather than protecting social cohesion.