Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said that newly passed hate speech legislation, introduced in the aftermath of the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack, will make the country safer and strengthen national unity. Describing the measures as the strongest hate speech laws ever enacted in Australia, Albanese said the reforms reflect the government’s commitment to confronting extremism while preserving social cohesion.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the Prime Minister emphasised that the legislation was designed to promote healing following the December 14 attack at Bondi Beach, which targeted a public event celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah and left 15 people dead.

“We have prioritised national unity and national healing,” Albanese said. “We want to make sure that light triumphs over darkness.”

The new laws grant the federal government expanded powers to curb extremism and hate-driven violence. These include the authority to ban organisations deemed to promote hatred, impose tougher penalties on individuals who incite or threaten violence, and strengthen visa cancellation and denial provisions for people holding extremist views.

The legislation was introduced after the Bondi Beach attack sent shockwaves across Australia and raised urgent questions about how to prevent hate-fuelled violence. In response, Albanese recalled the federal parliament from its summer recess two weeks earlier than scheduled to fast-track debate on the proposed reforms.

The bills were passed on Tuesday night with the support of both the ruling Labor Party and the Opposition Liberal Party. While the Liberal Party initially opposed the legislation, it ultimately backed the measures after the government agreed to amendments aimed at addressing concerns over potential restrictions on freedom of speech.

Albanese acknowledged the bipartisan cooperation, saying it demonstrated the seriousness with which Australia’s political leaders viewed the threat of extremism and hate-driven violence. He stressed that the revised laws strike a balance between protecting democratic freedoms and ensuring public safety.

The Prime Minister also urged Australians to come together ahead of the national day of mourning scheduled for Thursday to honour the victims of the Bondi attack and support those affected by the tragedy.

Earlier this week, on January 19, the federal parliament paid tribute to the victims after being reconvened specifically to debate the new laws. Lawmakers observed a minute of silence as a motion was tabled to honour the 15 people killed in the attack, which took place at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach in the city’s eastern suburbs.

The government has framed the legislation as a decisive step to ensure that violent extremism, antisemitism, and other forms of hate do not gain ground in Australian society. Officials argue that the expanded legal framework will enhance the ability of law enforcement and immigration authorities to act early against threats, while also sending a strong message that incitement to violence will not be tolerated.

As Australia prepares to mark the national day of mourning, Albanese reiterated that unity and resilience remain central to the country’s response. “This is a moment for reflection, compassion, and resolve,” he said, adding that the laws are intended not only to respond to the past tragedy but to prevent future ones.