The Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, announced at a press conference, on Friday (19), in Canberra, a package of measures to combat anti-Semitism and hate speech in the country, following the terrorist attack last Sunday (14). The offensive aims, above all, at the propagation of ideas associated with the Islamic State.
On Thursday (18), the Islamic State confirmed responsibility for the terrorist attack, during a Jewish event on Bondi beach, in Sydney. The action left 16 dead, including one of the two shooters. In a statement, the group called the attack a “cause to be proud”.
In light of the crime, Albanese adopted a tough tone. “Australians are shocked and furious. I am furious,” he said. According to him, the episode makes it clear that the country needs to move forward in confronting extremism. “We must do more to combat this evil scourge,” he declared, promising a broad offensive to eradicate “the evil of anti-Semitism from our society.”
The prime minister also reinforced the right of “every Australian Jew” to live in safety, respect and recognition for their contribution to the country. At the same time, he accused “terrorists inspired by IS” of trying to divide society. In contrast, he highlighted the population’s response, marked by “love and compassion” for the victims.
Australia authorizes persecution of extremists after terrorist attack
Among the measures announced, the government will authorize authorities to persecute extremist preachers and deny or cancel visas for people who promote “hatred and division”. Furthermore, the Executive will create a system to list organizations whose leaders spread hate speech. The legislation will also treat “serious defamation” based on ethnic origin and the defense of racial supremacy as a federal crime.
The package follows recommendations from a report prepared by the government commissioner for combating anti-Semitism, which accompanied the press conference. She called the announcement an “important step”. The Jewish Council of Australia has also expressed support for the initiative.
Albanese also announced the creation of a day of reflection for the victims, on December 21st. On the date, the flags of public buildings in Australia and New South Wales will be flown at half-mast. Additionally, the country will have a national day of mourning in the New Year.
At the same time, the prime minister launched a new weapons buyback program. States and territories will be responsible for collecting the weapons and making payments, while the Federal Police will take care of the destruction of the material. According to Albanese, Australia is currently home to more than four million firearms.
“The terrible events in Bondi show that we need to take more guns off our streets,” he said. He called the initiative the largest gun buyback program since 1996.
