The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has today presented its report to the Parliament on the Exposure Draft of the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 20 January 2026

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has today presented its report to the Parliament on the Exposure Draft of the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026. The Exposure Draft legislation proposed a package of reforms intended to further criminalise hateful conduct and ensure that those who seek to spread hatred, division and radicalisation are met with severe penalties. Following its review, the Committee made four recommendations. These include urging the Parliament to ‘work together in a constructive and collaborative manner across all parties and crossbench members to ensure that the legislative response to antisemitism, hate and extremism is effective, proportionate and reflects a unified national commitment to community safety and social cohesion’. Chair of the PJCIS, Senator Raff Ciccone, said: “The horrific attack at Bondi Beach shook our nation and reminded us of the very real harm antisemitism can cause.” “The Committee puts on record its deep compassion and concern for the Australian Jewish community, who have felt this trauma most deeply. We also acknowledge the extraordinary courage of those who confronted the violence at Bondi, and mourn those who lost their lives seeking to protect others.” “The Committee unequivocally condemns antisemitism and supports every effort to eradicate it from Australian society.” “At a time of profound national grief, it is essential that the Parliament proceeds in a manner that strengthens national unity and social cohesion.” Consistent with the evidence received during the inquiry, the Committee supported separating the Exposure Draft legislation into two bills – one addressing hate crime provisions and the other addressing firearms reforms – and noted that the proposed racial vilification offence will not proceed. The Committee has recommended that the remaining measures be passed as a priority, subject to specific recommendations in relation to firearms provisions and their implementation. The Committee held two days of public hearings and received a substantial volume of written submissions and correspondence. The Committee thanks all submitters and witnesses for their thoughtful and considered contributions. A full copy of the report and further information on the inquiry are available on the Committee’s website. Media enquiries Office of Senator Raff Ciccone 02 6277 3226 Senator.Ciccone@aph.gov.au Background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security 02 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page. 

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the Exposure Draft Legislation: Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026 (‘the Exposure Draft Bill’).

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 13 January 2026

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the Exposure Draft Legislation: Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026 (‘the Exposure Draft Bill’). The Exposure Draft Bill proposes a comprehensive package of reforms intended to further criminalise hateful conduct and ensure that those who seek to spread hatred, division and radicalisation are met with severe penalties. The Exposure Draft Bill contains five schedules of amendments: Schedule 1 contains amendments to criminal law relating to hate speech, racial hatred, radicalisation, firearms and explosives Schedule 2 contains amendments to migration laws, particularly relating to visa refusals and cancellations Schedule 3 contains customs amendments relating to import and export of violent extremist and hate material, firearms and weapons Schedule 4 contains amendments to firearms-related legislation including the establishment of a national gun buy-back scheme and strengthening background checking arrangements and Schedule 5 contains transitional provisions. Due to the urgency of the draft legislation, which the Parliament will consider next week, the Committee’s review will be sharp and focused. Submissions have been invited by 4:00pm (AEDT) Thursday 15 January 2026. Committee Chair, Senator Raff Ciccone, said: “The horrific terrorist attack at Bondi Beach last month shook our nation and reminded us of the very real harm antisemitism can cause. Our hearts go out to the Jewish community, who have felt this trauma most deeply. We have seen the courage of those who confronted this violence. Antisemitism is not just a threat to Australians of Jewish faith, it is a direct attack on their right to live safely, openly and with dignity, and it strikes at the heart of the social fabric of our multicultural country. National unity is vital to our national security. The Committee will review this important Exposure Draft Bill to ensure it is effective and proportionate, and that it sends a clear message: acts of hatred and violence against any community will not be tolerated. Our Parliament stands together in the determination to combat antisemitism, hate and extremism.” Further details on the review, including submission guidelines and deadlines, are available on the Committee’s website: aph.gov.au/pjcis Public Hearing The Committee will hold a public hearing on Tuesday 13 January 2026 to receive evidence from relevant Commonwealth Government agencies, including the Attorney-General's Department, the Department of Home Affairs, the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation. The Committee expects to hold a further public hearing later in the week to hear from non-government witnesses. Details will be made public once finalised. Public Hearing details Tuesday, 13 January 2026 12:30PM – 5:30PM (AEDT) Main Committee Room, Parliament House, Canberra A program for the hearing can be found here and the hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media enquiries Office of Senator Raff Ciccone 02 6277 3226 Senator.Ciccone@aph.gov.au Background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security 02 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.