During an interview with SBS News, Peter Wertheim, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, voiced his concerns that the extensive nature of the proposed legislation could jeopardize its approval.

Wertheim commended the government for several “positive features” within the legislation, highlighting the establishment of a framework to criminalize hate groups and the introduction of a serious vilification offense, which would impose up to five years of imprisonment for those inciting racial hatred.

“Considering the issue at hand, where Islamic terrorists targeted Australian Jews, this was a direct assault on our Jewish community. Removing firearms from law-abiding citizens is not the right solution,” he stated.

He emphasized the necessity of not only making hate crimes illegal and increasing penalties but also ensuring that firearms are restricted from those who should not have access to them.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has less than a week to assess the proposed laws. In an uncommon move, this typically confidential committee is conducting public hearings to gather input from relevant agencies.

Concerns over ‘rushed’ hate speech law review

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has less than a week to review the laws, with the usually secret committee holding public hearings to receive evidence from relevant agencies.