In a swift move to address growing concerns, a new aggravated offense is being introduced to specifically target adults who aim to influence or radicalize minors. This change is part of a broader strategy to combat the worrying trend of youth involvement in extremist activities.

Attorney-General Michelle Rowland highlighted a stark statistic to underscore the urgency of the situation. “Since 2001, 120 individuals have been convicted for terrorism-related offenses, among them, ten were children,” she noted. This historical data paints a concerning picture of how the landscape has shifted over the years.

Currently, the issue is even more alarming. “Today, we find that 17 out of the 33 individuals currently facing charges in our courts are minors,” Rowland stated. This represents a dramatic increase and signals a critical need for intervention.

The Attorney-General stressed the importance of protecting young people from extremist influences. “We are witnessing an unprecedented radicalization of our youth, and it must be addressed,” she declared. “We cannot stand by and allow extremists to groom and brainwash our children into adopting ideologies of hate or engaging in acts of terrorism.” The government’s new measures reflect a commitment to safeguarding the future of its youth by tackling this issue head-on.

“We will not allow extremists to groom and brainwash our children into hate or terrorism.”

The bill will be drafted over the coming weeks and is expected to be introduced to federal parliament in the new year.

Albanese also said new laws will aim to give the Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke more powers to cancel or refuse visas if a person is suspected of promoting violence, is engaging in hate speech, is associated with a terrorist organisation or has displayed a hate symbol.

“We’re looking at changes to hate symbols offences as well, and also looking at changes to the Customs Act to ban importing extremist material or hate symbols,” the prime minister said.

The raft of federal legislation will be introduced as a matter of urgency after 15 innocent people were killed on December 14, Albanese said.

“We’re not going to let the ISIS-inspired terrorists win. We won’t let them divide our society. And we’ll get through this together,” he said.

Rowland said the vilification offences will be structured alongside consultation with the Jewish community.

The legislation announced today will be pushed in tandem with national gun law reforms, Albanese confirmed.

Albanese last week met with state and territory leaders to lay out the action needed to address legislative gaps following the mass shooting.

Several options tabled by cabinet included:

If you have been impacted by the terror attack in Bondi there is support available.

To contact Lifeline Australia, call 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14.

For people under 25 years old, you can contact Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800.

Both of these are available on a 24/7 basis.