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ARTICLE · 15 FEBRUARY 2025

New Anti-Hate Laws Explained by Criminal Lawyer

Astor Legal
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New Law creates new criminal offences and increases maximum penalties for a number of existing offences.

AustraliaCriminal Law
Avinash Singh
Avinash Singh
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New Anti-Hate Laws have come into effect after both houses of parliament passed legislation last week.

The Criminal Code Amendment (Hate Crimes) Bill 2025 creates new criminal offences and increases maximum penalties for a number of existing offences.

It also introduces mandatory minimum sentences for hate crimes. This reflects a departure from the Labour party's usual stance on minimum sentencing.

The laws are a response to the rise in targeted anti-Semitic attacks, although the legislation covers a wide range of groups.

Mandatory Minimum Sentences

The most controversial of the new laws are the mandatory minimum sentences that will come into effect now that the Bill has received Royal Assent.

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