A recent Resolve survey commissioned by The Sydney Morning Herald reveals that nearly half of Australians are advocating for significant changes in policy. The poll highlights a strong desire for tightened immigration screening processes, with 76% of respondents supporting measures to identify antisemitic or extremist ideologies.
Furthermore, 70% of those surveyed are in favor of strengthening hate speech legislation, while 67% urge for harsher penalties against individuals who incite violence towards the Jewish community.
In response to these findings, a spokesperson emphasized the urgency of taking immediate action, stating, “What we need to do is to work immediately.” They cautioned against the delays that could arise from conducting multiple royal commissions and reviews simultaneously, stressing the need for swift measures.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has already proposed several legislative reforms. These include the introduction of stricter hate speech laws, a landmark gun buyback initiative, and a new offense targeting the radicalization of children. Additionally, he plans to expand the powers of the home affairs minister, enabling them to cancel or refuse visas for individuals suspected of promoting violence, engaging in hate speech, associating with terrorist groups, or displaying hate symbols.
Albanese is reportedly considering recalling parliament in January to expedite the enactment of these new hate speech and gun control laws, underscoring his commitment to addressing these pressing issues.
He is likely to recall parliament in January to implement the new hate speech and gun laws.
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister, Patrick Gorman, urged parliament to support the laws when they are introduced.
“The immigration minister needs more powers, and the parliament should provide them,” he said.
“We need stronger hate speech laws, and the parliament should endorse those laws.”
