Australia's Labor government faces internal division after a policy shift to introduce mandatory minimum sentences for terrorism and antisemitic crimes. The move, driven by pressure from the Opposition and rising antisemitism, has sparked friction within the government, with Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, a senior Jewish politician, publicly opposing the measure.
While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke have backed the amendments to the Hate Crimes Bill, there has been significant signs of friction.
Mr Albanse’s decision to introduce one to six-year mandatory minimum sentences followed intense pressure from Opposition Leader Peter Dutton due to rising antisemitism.for those involved in terrorism and antisemitic attacks before Mr Albanese forged ahead with the policy. Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, one of the government’s most senior Jewish politicians, opposed the decision to introduce mandatory minimum sentences. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman
The government’s reversal has faced intense criticism, with shadow home affairs minister James Paterson accusing the Prime Minister of being forced into the policy shift.
Hate Crimes Mandatory Sentences Terrorism Antisemitism Australian Politics
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