Australia’s national legislature is set to resume ahead of schedule as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accelerates plans to introduce sweeping laws targeting hate speech, extremist activity and illegal firearms following last month’s fatal terrorist attack at Bondi Beach.
Mr. Albanese announced on Monday that both chambers of parliament the House of Representatives and the Senate will reconvene in Canberra on January 19 and 20, more than two weeks before their planned February sitting, to consider a broad package of reforms.
The prime minister said the proposed legislation, known as the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026, is designed to address both ideological violence and weapons control, introducing tougher criminal penalties and expanded authority to act against extremist groups.
According to the government, the bill will increase punishments for hate-related offences and establish new crimes targeting individuals who promote or incite hatred with the intent to intimidate, threaten or harass others. It will also reinforce existing bans on prohibited symbols and grant the home affairs minister wider powers to deny or cancel visas for individuals deemed to be spreading hate.
In addition, the legislation proposes the creation of a national gun buyback programme aimed at removing illegal firearms from circulation, alongside stricter licensing rules and enhanced oversight of firearm ownership.
Before formal debate begins, lawmakers are expected to adopt a condolence motion to honour those who lost their lives in the Bondi attack and to reaffirm the country’s commitment to unity against violence and extremism.
Government officials maintain that the reforms are essential to strengthening Australia’s response to hate-motivated crimes and improving public safety. However, critics have raised concerns about combining hate speech, extremism and firearms provisions within a single legislative package, warning of potential civil liberties implications.
The government has indicated it is seeking bipartisan cooperation to ensure the legislation is passed swiftly when parliament reconvenes.
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