UPDATE: The Western Australia Government is taking decisive action to strengthen penalties for hate-motivated crimes amid escalating concerns over racial vilification. Premier Roger Cook and Attorney-General Tony Buti confirmed to The West Australian that the Department of Justice is reviewing ways to enhance penalties, responding to mounting pressure from community leaders and advocates.
During a crucial announcement, Cook emphasized that WA already enforces some of the toughest gun laws in Australia, alongside measures targeting Nazi hate symbols and legislation aimed at punishing the glorification of illegal acts on social media. However, officials believe more robust actions are necessary to combat hate crimes effectively.
Dr. Buti stated he is currently awaiting guidance from the Department of Justice regarding potential increases in maximum sentences for hate-motivated crimes. He disclosed that reforms to the Equal Opportunity Bill are set to be introduced into Parliament next year, which will expand the definition of race to include ethno-religious origin, providing clearer protections against anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination.
“We are not standing still,” Buti declared, highlighting the need to adapt legislation to better protect vulnerable communities. The proposed changes aim to clarify protections for ethno-religious groups, ensuring that unlawful behavior against these communities is explicitly addressed.
Premier Cook reiterated that WA’s Criminal Code currently imposes penalties of up to 14 years for conduct designed to incite racial hatred, but acknowledged that further reforms are in progress. “This means hate-motivated crimes will be treated as an aggravating factor, leading to higher penalties in line with national best practices,” he asserted.
The urgency of these reforms has intensified following a tragic incident where 15 individuals were killed during a terrorist attack at Bondi Beach last Sunday. Cook defended Prime Minister Anthony Albanese against criticism that he reacted too slowly to safeguard the Jewish community. “The criticism is largely from the Liberal Party, but he faces scrutiny from within the Jewish community as well,” Cook remarked, emphasizing the importance of community solidarity in the aftermath of such violent acts.
Cook acknowledged the very real threat of extremism, stating, “We are not immune to the possibility of an anti-Semitism attack.” He urged the community to remain vigilant, highlighting that those with extremist views could still pose a risk. However, he reassured that stringent gun control measures in WA prevent access to high-caliber weapons by individuals on watch lists.
In response to the government’s measures, Liberal leader Basil Zempilas criticized Cook for not providing enough assurance to the public that all possible actions are being taken to protect the community from extremism. Meanwhile, WA Liberal senator Michaelia Cash echoed these concerns, stating that recent events across the nation serve as a warning to WA, stressing that extremism can take root anywhere.
WHAT’S NEXT: As the government prepares to introduce significant legislative reforms, communities across WA are urged to remain engaged and informed. The proposed changes to the Equal Opportunity Bill and potential increases in hate crime penalties are set to be hot topics in the upcoming parliamentary session.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.
