Following passage of the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Bill 2026, Independent Member for Kooyong, Dr. Monique Ryan, said today:
"After the Bondi tragedy, it was critical that our Parliament united behind laws to protect Australians from gun violence and hate speech. Our communities – particularly the Australian Jewish community – have been shocked and traumatised by that senseless act of violence. They want us to take action to ensure their safety and their freedom. But I have serious concerns about this legislation.
"Australians want us to get this right. Poor policymaking won't make our constituents safer. Terrorism isn't only an attack on lives; it's also an attack on our confidence in the idea that democracies can remain both secure and free. Legislation on the run will not engender confidence in our processes or our government.
"Members of Parliament saw this legislation only three hours before it was put to a vote.The concern expressed by many in the Kooyong community – supported by the Parliamentary report released only this morning - is that the broad application of many of this bill's provisions could have a chilling effect on legitimate debate on political, social and religious issues. The speed with which the legislation has been developed means that legal inconsistencies and unintended consequences seem inevitable.
"The Bill includes measures I support. Laws that impose tougher penalties on hate crimes, constraints on hate groups, and aggravated offences for community leaders who choose to incite violence are improvements that will protect all Australians.
"What we didn't do today was act to protect all Australians from serious vilification based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics. Hatred does not discriminate on those characteristics; neither should the law. The need for these protections was agreed on by leaders of the Jewish community, Human Rights Commission, and Equality Australia. The removal of racial vilification elements from this legislation renders it less likely to be effective in its aim of banning hate groups. We need to revisit this issue as we see results from the Royal Commission. I moved an amendment today seeking better reporting of hate crimes and the outcome of their prosecution. We must revisit these issues at intervals to be sure that the legislation is effective.
"If Bondi becomes another episode of finger-pointing and blame, followed by forgetfulness, we will have failed this country. If instead it becomes a catalyst for serious, evidence-based reform, Australia will emerge from it stronger and better.
