Daily London
Among the fast-tracked changes will be a new aggravated offence which targets adults who seek to influence or radicalise children.
“Since 2001, 120 people have been convicted of terrorism offences, and ten were children,” Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said.
“However, today, 17 of the 33 people before our courts are minors.
“This unprecedented radicalisation of our youth must stop.
“We will not allow extremists to groom and brainwash our children into hate or terrorism.”
The bill will be drafted over the coming weeks and is expected to be introduced to federal parliament in the new year.
Albanese also said new laws will aim to give the Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke more powers to cancel or refuse visas if a person is suspected of promoting violence, is engaging in hate speech, is associated with a terrorist organisation or has displayed a hate symbol.
“We’re looking at changes to hate symbols offences as well, and also looking at changes to the Customs Act to ban importing extremist material or hate symbols,” the prime minister said.
The raft of federal legislation will be introduced as a matter of urgency after 15 innocent people were killed on December 14, Albanese said.
“We’re not going to let the ISIS-inspired terrorists win. We won’t let them divide our society. And we’ll get through this together,” he said.
Rowland said the vilification offences will be structured alongside consultation with the Jewish community.
The legislation announced today will be pushed in tandem with national gun law reforms, Albanese confirmed.
Albanese last week met with state and territory leaders to lay out the action needed to address legislative gaps following the mass shooting.
Several options tabled by cabinet included:
- Limiting the number of guns one person can own
- Restricting gun licences to Australian citizens
- Limiting open-ended firearms licensing and the types of guns that are legal, including modifications
- Accelerating work on standing up the National Firearms Register
- And allowing extra use of criminal intelligence to underpin firearms licensing that can be used in administrative licensing regimes
If you have been impacted by the terror attack in Bondi there is support available.
To contact Lifeline Australia, call 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14.
For people under 25 years old, you can contact Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800.
Both of these are available on a 24/7 basis.
