Hate symbols and acts of terror will now carry mandatory jail terms in Australia, ranging from one to six years, following the approval of amendments to hate crime laws by parliament on Thursday.
The new legislation, which addresses a surge in high-profile antisemitic attacks, has been labeled by the government as the toughest laws Australia has ever had against hate crimes.
However, critics argue that the governing Labor Party is yielding to opposition pressure, contradicting its stance against compulsory prison sentences.
Among the newly outlined penalties, showcasing hate symbols or making a Nazi salute is now punishable by a minimum of one year in prison. Other offenses include a three-year imprisonment for funding terrorism and a six-year term for engaging in or planning terrorist activities.
Recent months have witnessed a series of assaults on Jewish establishments in Australia.
Former Labor senator Kim Carr condemned the party for what he deemed a clear breach of the Labor party national platform.
Labor's objection to mandatory sentences stems from the belief that such penalties do not deter crime, infringe on judicial independence, and can reinforce discriminatory practices.
Even though the opposition did not immediately embrace the amendments, they criticized Labor for delays in their implementation.
Liberal senator James Paterson asserted, The parliament is not acting today because of the decisiveness of the Labor Party, criticizing the prime minister for reluctantly introducing strict legislation to impose real consequences for such behavior.
Performing the Nazi salute and displaying Nazi symbols, like the swastika, have been prohibited since January 2024, carrying a maximum one-year prison sentence. The recent amendments have made the jail term mandatory.
Claiming to prioritize societal safety, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke emphasized on Wednesday night during the introduction of the amendments, This is about whether the Australian Parliament believes it's acceptable to advocate, threaten or commit violence against another person because of who they are, who they pray to, or who they love.