What was debated in Parliament
Summarised using AI from the official Hansard transcript of the debate only. It is not a record of the debate and may leave things out. Read the Hansard below to check it.
Introduced after the December 2025 Bondi terrorist attack, this bill raises penalties for threatening violence against groups, creates tougher offences for religious leaders who preach violence and adults who radicalise children, and makes racial hatred count against offenders at sentencing. It lets the government list and ban 'prohibited hate groups' and widens powers to refuse or cancel visas for spreading hatred. A planned racial vilification offence was removed before debate, and the debate focused on that removal, the rushed process, and safeguards.
Arguments made in support
The government said violent extremism starts with words, and the bill targets people and groups who spread hate before violence happens.
Coalition speakers supported the bill after negotiating changes, saying it closes a gap that let groups like Hizb ut-Tahrir and neo-Nazi groups operate legally.
Supporters said hate group listings require high thresholds, ASIO advice and a parliamentary disallowance process, plus a review after two years.
The Coalition said changing the visa test from 'would' to 'might' pose a risk was reasonable to protect Australians.
Labor members said the bill was an important step, but argued the Coalition should have supported the removed vilification laws.
Arguments made against, or for changes
Many crossbench members, the Greens and some Coalition members said the bill was rushed, with little time to read it and a very short committee inquiry.
The Greens opposed the bill, saying it could chill protest and political speech, especially about Palestine, and unfairly targets migrants and Muslims.
Crossbench members said protections should cover religion, sexuality, gender and disability too. Their amendments for this did not pass.
Critics said the hate group listing power lacks procedural fairness and merits review. Amendments for review, sunset clauses and parliamentary approval failed.
The Nationals and One Nation sought a Senate inquiry, and Barnaby Joyce opposed the bill for relying on state definitions of hate crimes.
98 speeches by 48 members in the House and Senate over 5 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 20 Jan 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 20 Jan 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 3 Mar 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 4 Mar 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 26 Mar 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Australia's Voice
1 Yes
0 No
The last column counts members who did not vote. Party counts are for current members.
3 votes were cast by people who have since left Parliament.