Criminal Code Amendment (Hate Crimes) Bill 2024

Stage by Stage

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

1. Tuesday 4 February 2025 · House of Representatives

   Reference to Federation Chamber
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2. Thursday 6 February 2025 · House of Representatives

   Report from Federation Chamber
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3. Thursday 6 February 2025 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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4. Thursday 6 February 2025 · Senate

   First Reading
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5. Thursday 6 February 2025 · Senate

   In Committee

   The Senate considered the Criminal Code Amendment (Hate Crimes) Bill 2024 in committee, with significant debate over the inclusion of mandatory minimum sentences. Senator Cash sought clarification that the bill targeted physical force and included minor property damage, which Minister Watt confirmed. Senator Faruqi moved amendments to remove mandatory minimums and sunset them, arguing they were unjust and discriminatory. Senator Pocock criticised the rushed process and the government's reversal on mandatory sentencing policy. The Greens amendments were defeated, and the bill was passed without amendment.

   Outcome: The bill was agreed to, reported without amendment, and the report was adopted.

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6. Thursday 6 February 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated the Criminal Code Amendment (Hate Crimes) Bill 2024, which sought to strengthen offences related to urging violence and threatening groups based on protected attributes. The government introduced the bill to expand protections to include biological sex, how people are attracted, their gender identity, being intersex, and having a disability, while removing the good faith defence. A significant point of contention was the late addition of mandatory minimum sentences for terrorism offences and hate symbol displays, secured through negotiations with the Coalition. The Greens and crossbench members strongly opposed these mandatory sentencing provisions, citing concerns about judicial independence and discriminatory outcomes, while Coalition members argued they were necessary for national security. The debate concluded with the bill passing, incorporating the mandatory minimum penalties.

   Outcome: The bill was passed with the inclusion of mandatory minimum sentences for terrorism offences and hate symbol displays.

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7. Thursday 6 February 2025 · Senate

   Third Reading
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