A report from an inquiry on the Exposure Draft of the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026. The report provides the background and context of the review, an outline of the Bill, key issues raised in evidence and the Committee comment.

On 14 December 2025, Australia experienced its deadliest terrorist attack. It appears that this was an antisemitic terrorist
attack aimed at Jewish Australians.

The report provides four recommendations. It urges the Australian Parliament to work together in a constructive and collaborative manner across all parties and crossbench members to ensure that the legislative response to antisemitism, hate and extremism is effective, proportionate and reflects a unified national commitment to community safety and social cohesion.

Given the importance of the hate crime, migration and firearms provisions to addressing antisemitism, hate and extremism, the Committee recommends that these measures be passed.

After the Committee completed gathering evidence for its review, the Government indicated that, in order to secure timely passage of urgent reforms, the proposed legislation would proceed in separate bills.

Key findings

• National unity is vital to our national security.
• Security agencies highlighted that the evolving threat environment – including increased online radicalisation and a rise in minors appearing in counter-terrorism case loads – necessitates strengthened legislative tools.
• Evidence to the Committee, including from Australia’s security agencies, underscored the risks posed by heightened social tension and polarised public debate.
• The Exposure Draft legislation seeks to address the scourge of antisemitism through a range of measures, including through the proposed racial vilification offence.
• Hate can lead to violence and the Parliament should seek to identify actions which attempt to address the spread of hateful ideologies within the community.