Labor Proposes New Hate-Group Listing Regime Targeting Islamist and Far-Right Extremists
The Australian federal government has proposed a new hate-group listing regime modeled on the existing terror-listing scheme to address groups spreading hateful conduct that falls short of terrorism thresholds.
The proposed legislation targets groups such as the Islamist Hizb ut-Tahrir and the far-right National Socialist Network (NSN), both described as operating just inside the boundaries of the law. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke explained that the regime would cover groups deemed to spread unlawful hate but not meeting the threshold for terrorism.
The listing would have consequences nearly identical to the current terror-listing scheme. The move forms part of a broader plan announced by the prime minister to tighten hate-speech laws, which includes aggravated hate-speech offences for preachers or leaders promoting violence, increased penalties for hate speech inciting violence, hate as an aggravating factor in online threats, and a narrow federal offence for serious racial vilification.
Burke cited the Bondi antisemitic terror shooting as an impetus for the reforms, emphasising the intention to outlaw groups that hate Australia and prevent them from operating within the country.
ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess warned that groups like Hizb ut-Tahrir and NSN pose an insidious strategy: Hizb ut-Tahrir pushes the boundaries of legality, while NSN stops short of overtly promoting violence.
Currently, Australia has 31 listed terrorist organisations, including Islamist groups such as al-Qaida, Hamas, Hezbollah, and Islamic State, alongside right-wing groups like The Base, Terrorgram, Sonnenkrieg Division, and the National Socialist Order.
It was clarified that NSN is an Australian group, distinct from the American Atomwaffen Division. The proposed listing regime may also apply to individuals outside formal groups or online influencers spreading hateful conduct.
