Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Bill 2026

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Tuesday 20 January 2026 · House of Representatives

   Consideration in Detail

   The House of Representatives considered amendments to the bill during the consideration in detail stage. The government moved and passed amendments to insert a legislative note clarifying that the bill does not target lawful debate or satire, and to mandate a Senate committee review after two years. Multiple independent and opposition members moved amendments to broaden the definition of hate crimes, introduce sunset clauses, require annual reporting, and add safeguards against ministerial overreach, all of which were rejected by the government. The debate concluded with divisions on the bill, with the third reading passed.

   Outcome: The government amendments were passed, while all other amendments were negatived; the bill was subsequently passed on the third reading division.

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2. Tuesday 20 January 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The House of Representatives debated the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Bill 2026, introduced in response to the Bondi Beach terrorist attack. The government supported the bill as a necessary measure to criminalise hate groups, increase penalties for hate-motivated violence, and strengthen migration character tests. Opposition members generally supported the criminal law amendments but criticised the rushed legislative process and the removal of vilification provisions. Independent members expressed concerns about the speed of passage and potential impacts on civil liberties, though most indicated support for the bill's core objectives. The debate concluded with the bill being passed to the next stage.

   Outcome: The bill was passed to the next stage of consideration.

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3. Tuesday 20 January 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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4. Tuesday 20 January 2026 · Senate

   First Reading
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5. Tuesday 20 January 2026 · Senate

   Limitation of Debate

   The Senate debated amendments moved by Senator Fatima Payman to clarify the scope of protected speech within the bill. The proposed changes sought to explicitly state that criticism of Israel, Zionism, or the Israeli Defence Force constitutes protected political speech rather than hate speech, citing a Federal Court judgment. Additional provisions aimed to safeguard the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and ensure compliance with international human rights instruments. The amendments were subject to multiple divisions, with some passing and others failing.

   Outcome: The amendments were subject to twenty-two divisions, with divisions 11, 18, and 22 passing, while the remaining divisions were not passed.

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6. Tuesday 20 January 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Bill 2026 following the Bondi Beach terrorist attack. The government and coalition supported the legislation to ban hate groups and strengthen laws, while the Greens, Labor, independents, and the National Party opposed it due to concerns over rushed passage, civil liberties, and free speech. Amendments were moved to refer the bill to a Senate committee and broaden protections, but the debate centered on the speed of the process and the adequacy of the reforms. The bill was commended to the Senate, though no final vote was recorded in the transcript.

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