Why does Australia need hate crimes reform?

On the first sitting day of the year (Feb 4th) both houses of parliament voting unanimously to denounce antisemitism in the country. This came as a coalition push to introduce mandatory sentencing for offenders, was quashed.

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus speaks to Independent MP Allegra Spender and Labor MP Josh Burns during the motion on antisemitism (AAP). Source: AAP / LUKAS COCH/AAPIMAGE

The government is now urging for unity, ahead of the debate on new hate speech legislation. As Senator Allegra Spender said that antisemitism behaviour does not truly represent Australia.

Motions have been passed unanimously in the house and senate. And efforts by the coalition were made to demand mandatory minimum sentences for terror offenders.

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