Australian premier vows tougher hate speech laws after Bondi Beach attack

ISTANBUL

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Thursday that tougher hate speech laws will be implemented after a mass shooting at Bondi Beach killed 15 victims.

Albanese announced a list of legislative changes after a meeting of the National Security Committee, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

"Governments aren't perfect, I'm not perfect," he told reporters in Canberra.

"I have done my best to respond,” he said.

“Anyone in this position would regret not doing more, and any inadequacies which are there," he said, "but what we need to do is to move forward."

Changes include new federal offences for "aggravated hate speech offense for preachers and leaders who promote violence," and increased penalties for "hate speech promoting violence."

Others include "making hate an aggravating factor in sentencing crimes for online threats and harassment," developing a regime for listing organizations "whose leaders engage in hate speech promoting violence or racial hatred," and for "serious vilification based on race and or advocating racial supremacy."

The home affairs minister will also have new powers to cancel or reject visas, while a 12-month task force will have more oversight on the education system.

The victims were killed Sunday when a father and son team opened fire along the beach in Sydney.​​​​​

One of the two accused shooters was shot dead, while the other sustained critical injuries and is getting treatment at a hospital.