Jewish community leaders are demanding urgent action to fast-track hate speech cases in Australia. The calls come after the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack on 15 December 2025.
Figure 1: Police officers patrol Bondi Beach following a deadly attack in Sydney.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has pledged to lower the threshold for hate speech. The government aims to reach the absolute legal limit to defeat any free speech challenge. Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett says the expanded legislation will make it easier to prosecute offenders and fast-track hate speech cases.
How to Report Hate Speech in Australia: Community Demands Stronger Enforcement
The Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council wants enforcement to be prioritised immediately. Police must rigorously enforce existing and new legislation that bans hate speech, the council stated. State and federal governments must ensure police receive proper training to apply these laws effectively when investigating how to report hate speech in Australia.
The push to fast-track legal action against hate speech follows community anger over prosecution gaps. Jewish leaders say there has been a lack of prosecutions related to hate preachers. Displays of Nazi symbols have also gone largely unpunished, they claim. The community believes authorities need clearer procedures on how to report hate speech in Australia.
Figure 2: Australia’s Parliament House in Canberra.
Jewish Community Council of Victoria CEO Naomi Levin said the community requires fewer words and more actions. Laws have been strengthened at both state and federal levels, she noted. However, the convictions have not followed, creating frustration within the community. Leaders emphasise the need to fast-track hate speech cases through the judicial system.
Government Response: Steps to Fast-Track Hate Speech Cases and Strengthen Protection
Commissioner Barrett revealed that four people had been charged with anti-Semitism offences. A national investigation team set up to address politically motivated violence has handled these cases. The team focuses on hate speech that doesn’t meet the threshold for terrorism investigations. Barrett emphasised that efforts to fast-track hate speech cases will intensify with new legislation.
The government has announced an AUD 42.6 million package for mental health support. This funding targets those traumatised by the attack, providing essential counselling services. Officials say improving how to report hate speech in Australia remains a priority alongside victim support.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese indicated that expanding hate speech laws is complex. The reforms need to be watertight to withstand High Court challenges, he explained. The government has rejected calls to recall parliament before Christmas to pass the legislation. However, authorities remain committed to fast-track legal action against hate speech once reforms are finalised.
How to Report Hate Speech in Australia: Education and Training Take Centre Stage
An anti-Semitism education task force has been convened to address systemic issues. David Gonski, who authored a landmark review of school funding, leads the task force. The group held its first meeting on 20 December 2025. The task force will also explore ways to educate students on how to report hate speech in Australia.
The task force will conduct a 12-month education review across Australian schools and universities. It aims to ensure the system adequately prevents and responds to anti-Semitism. The council wants anti-Semitism education to be mandatory in schools. Training programs will include modules on how to report hate speech in Australia effectively.
Data from the National Student Ombudsman reveals 231 complaints relating to discrimination since February 2025. Of these, 71 related to race or religion and 23 to experiences of anti-Semitism. A formal investigation into one of the matters is currently underway. Educational institutions are being urged to fast-track hate speech cases reported on campuses.
Fast-Track Legal Action Against Hate Speech: What Changes Are Coming
Burke vowed to lower the threshold of hate speech laws to the extent constitutionally possible. Barrett said the move, combined with extra resources, would enable quicker action. This could mean the difference between warning an individual or placing them in handcuffs. The goal is to fast-track legal action against hate speech more efficiently than current procedures allow.
Figure 4: Members of the Jewish community gather at a rally in Australia.
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry reported 1,654 anti-Jewish incidents across Australia. These occurred between 1 October 2024 and 30 September 2025. This represents almost five times the average annual number before 7 October 2023. Communities want better systems explaining how to report hate speech in Australia to authorities.
The past year had the highest number of serious incidents on record. These included arson attacks on synagogues, schools and other Jewish institutions. Leaders argue that clearer pathways to fast-track hate speech cases could have prevented some incidents.
Fast-Track Hate Speech Cases: Community Calls for Action Beyond Legislation
Levin emphasised that tackling anti-Semitism needs a whole-of-community response, not just government action. Anti-Semitism has risen across communities, in schools, universities, businesses and trade unions. All leaders, not just government officials, must get behind this push. Community organisations are developing resources on how to report hate speech in Australia.
The community has been warning for years that this violence was coming, Levin said. Jewish people are Australians too and deserve protection from violence and attacks. Leaders stress that better systems to fast-track hate speech cases are essential for community safety.
The government has had the Special Envoy for Antisemitism’s report for five months. However, only one or two recommendations have been implemented so far, according to community leaders. This delay has frustrated those advocating to fast-track legal action against hate speech.
Looking Ahead
NSW Premier Chris Minns has described anti-Semitism as cancerous and said it must be eradicated. The national Cabinet has pledged to eradicate anti-Semitism, hate, violence and terrorism following the attack. Ministers emphasised the importance of creating accessible systems for reporting hate speech in Australia.
The government has announced plans to overhaul gun laws as an immediate action. Leaders agreed that Sunday’s horrific anti-Semitic terror attack has no place in Australia. The evil scourge of anti-Semitism must be eradicated, the statement concluded. Authorities remain committed to finding better ways to fast-track legal action against hate speech.
FAQs
Q1. What is the government doing to fast-track hate speech cases in Australia?
 Ans. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke plans to lower the hate speech threshold to the constitutional limit. AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett says this will make prosecutions faster and easier.
Q2. How to report hate speech in Australia?
 Ans. Hate speech can be reported to local police or the Australian Federal Police. A National Hate Crimes and Incidents Database is also being set up, with guidance available from community organisations.
Q3. What triggered calls to fast-track legal action against hate speech?
 Ans. The push followed the Bondi Beach terror attack in December 2025 and frustration over limited prosecutions and unpunished Nazi symbolism.
Q4. What role does education play in addressing anti-Semitism?
 Ans. A task force led by David Gonski will review schools and universities over 12 months, with calls for mandatory anti-Semitism education nationwide.
