Anthony Albanese recalls parliament early as PM reveals huge changes in wake of Bondi Beach attack

Federal Parliament will be recalled early next week as the government moves urgently to pass sweeping new national-security laws in response to the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will order both the House of Representatives and the Senate to return on January 19 and 20 to deal with new legislation.

The emergency sitting will begin with a condolence motion honouring the victims of the antisemitic attack, paying tribute to those killed, those injured, and the families whose lives have been forever changed. 

In a display of unity, the government and Opposition have already agreed on the wording.

After tributes, Parliament will turn immediately to the centrepiece of the government’s response: the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026.

Drafted in the immediate aftermath of the Bondi Beach attack, the bill will be introduced on Monday, debated on Tuesday, and then fast-tracked to the Senate.

The bill marks one of the most far‑reaching crackdowns on extremism in years. 

It introduces tough new offences aimed at hate preachers and extremist leaders who attempt to radicalise children. 

Anthony Albanese (pictured) confirmed Parliament would return on Monday January 19

Anthony Albanese (pictured) confirmed Parliament would return on Monday January 19

Penalties for hate‑crime offences will be significantly increased, and courts will be required to take extremist motivation into account during sentencing. 

The government is also creating a new offence for inciting hatred with the intention to intimidate or harass, while expanding the ban on prohibited extremist symbols. 

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke will gain stronger powers to cancel or refuse visas for individuals who attempt to enter Australia to spread hatred. 

A new framework will allow the minister to formally declare organisations as Prohibited Hate Groups, a designation that makes it a criminal offence to join, recruit for, donate to, or assist such groups in any way. 

Radical Islamic group Hizb ut-Tahrir and the neo-Nazi National Socialist Network were named by Burke as groups that the laws would target. 

 


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