The Federal Government has agreed to the Coalition’s demands to introduce mandatory minimum jail sentences for terror crimes after a rise in antisemitic attacks.
It’s a move clearly in response to increasing pressure on Labor to do more about tackling antisemitism.
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There has been a rise in attacks in recent months, including the firebombing of a synagogue in Melbourne in December and the discovery of a caravan filled with explosives in Sydney last month.
Under the amendments to the Hate Crimes Bill, those found guilty of terror offences could face a minimum of six years in prison.
The changes would also create three year minimums for financing terrorism and one year for displaying hate symbols and gestures.
Home Affairs minister Tony Burke described them as “the toughest laws Australia has ever had against hate crimes.”
Greens Leader Adam Bandt said while they supported the original bill, they had concerns and described them as “utterly unnecessary”.
Labor’s national platform has previously opposed minimum mandatory sentencing. Labour has claimed it undermines the independence of the judiciary, leads to unjust outcomes and often discriminatory in practice.
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