The Australian federal parliament will reconvene earlier than scheduled to address critical new legislation aimed at combating hate speech and implementing a national gun buyback scheme. This decision follows the tragic events surrounding the alleged terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on December 14, 2023. Originally set to resume on February 3, 2024, members of parliament (MPs) are now expected to return to Canberra before Australia Day to deliberate on the government’s legislative response.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese indicated the urgency of recalling parliament to push forward two legislative priorities: stronger laws targeting hate speech and enhanced gun control measures. The proposed hate speech laws will create specific offences for individuals who incite violence and establish a framework for identifying organizations whose leaders engage in hate speech promoting violence or racial hatred.
In addition to targeting hate speech, the government plans to outlaw “serious vilification” based on race, as well as criminalizing the advocacy of racial supremacy. A new aggravated offence will also be introduced for adults who attempt to radicalize children. Attorney General Michelle Rowland emphasized the need to address the “unprecedented radicalization of our youth,” noting that nearly half of the 33 individuals facing terrorism charges were minors.
National Gun Buyback Scheme Proposed
The Albanese government is also set to propose the largest national firearm buyback scheme since the Port Arthur massacre in 1996, with costs shared equally between the federal government and the states. This initiative aims to complement new gun control measures, which were agreed upon by state leaders during an emergency national cabinet meeting following the Bondi incident.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has already taken action, recalling the state parliament to pass laws that limit firearm ownership to four guns for individuals and ten for farmers and sports shooters. The federal government is urging all states and territories to enact similar legislation by July 1, 2024.
Despite the momentum for tighter gun laws, the proposed measures face opposition from gun advocacy groups and the National Party, which could complicate the federal Coalition’s support for the legislation. However, the Greens have expressed their support for the buyback initiative, bolstering Labor’s position in the Senate.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley stated her willingness to examine the proposed legislation but reiterated calls for a federal royal commission into antisemitism. Ley has drawn parallels to previous campaigns that led to the establishment of a banking royal commission, asserting that the Coalition will exhaust all efforts to ensure that such an inquiry is conducted.
Ley highlighted the importance of listening to the families of Bondi victims and Jewish community leaders in the push for a royal commission. She remarked, “We in the Coalition will do everything in our power… to deliver this commonwealth royal commission.”
While the government acknowledges the significance of these calls, Treasurer Jim Chalmers reiterated that the focus remains on immediate legislative action rather than inquiries. Chalmers stated, “We know that the world is watching… and the urgent and immediate actions that we are taking are really important when it comes to us learning from and responding to this attack.”
As the government prepares to introduce these new laws, the discussions in parliament are expected to be closely monitored, reflecting the heightened public concern surrounding issues of hate speech and gun violence in Australia.
