Explanatory Memorandum - Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026
The Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026 (the Bill) represents a comprehensive package of reforms which would further criminalise hateful conduct, and ensure that those that seek to spread hate, division and radicalisation are met with severe penalties. The Bill would also expand powers to allow the cancellation or refusal visas to those who spread hate and division in Australia, or who would do so if they were granted a visa to enter Australia. In addition, the Bill would set up the national firearms buyback scheme and introduce a range of firearms amendments relating to the control, management and possession of firearms.
These changes would implement the measures announced by Government on 18 December 2025 and respond to the criminal law related recommendations of the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism. These reforms are necessary to address the rising levels of antisemitic and other hate speech, violence and extremism in Australia.
The Bill will complement previous reforms targeting the rise in hate fuelled conduct. This includes the offences for advocating or threatening force or violence against groups, banning Nazi salutes and hate symbols, targeting extremism through laws against possessing or sharing violent extremist material and the creation of a framework to list state sponsors of terrorism.
The Bill contains five schedules of amendments:
- Schedule 1 contains amendments to legislation regarding criminal law
- Schedule 2 contains amendments to migration laws
- Schedule 3 contains customs amendments
- Schedule 4 contains amendments to firearms-related legislation, and
- Schedule 5 contains transitional rules.