The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the Exposure Draft Legislation: Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026 ('the Exposure Draft Bill').
The Exposure Draft Bill proposes a comprehensive package of reforms intended to further criminalise hateful conduct and ensure that those who seek to spread hatred, division and radicalisation are met with severe penalties.
The Exposure Draft Bill contains five schedules of amendments:
- Schedule 1 contains amendments to criminal law relating to hate speech, racial hatred, radicalisation, firearms and explosives
- Schedule 2 contains amendments to migration laws, particularly relating to visa refusals and cancellations
- Schedule 3 contains customs amendments relating to import and export of violent extremist and hate material, firearms and weapons
- Schedule 4 contains amendments to firearms-related legislation including the establishment of a national gun buy-back scheme and strengthening background checking arrangements and
- Schedule 5 contains transitional provisions.
Due to the urgency of the draft legislation, which the Parliament will consider next week, the Committee's review will be sharp and focused. Submissions have been invited by 4:00pm (AEDT) Thursday 15 January 2026.
Committee Chair, Senator Raff Ciccone, said:
"The horrific terrorist attack at Bondi Beach last month shook our nation and reminded us of the very real harm antisemitism can cause. Our hearts go out to the Jewish community, who have felt this trauma most deeply. We have seen the courage of those who confronted this violence.
Antisemitism is not just a threat to Australians of Jewish faith, it is a direct attack on their right to live safely, openly and with dignity, and it strikes at the heart of the social fabric of our multicultural country.
National unity is vital to our national security. The Committee will review this important Exposure Draft Bill to ensure it is effective and proportionate, and that it sends a clear message: acts of hatred and violence against any community will not be tolerated. Our Parliament stands together in the determination to combat antisemitism, hate and extremism."
