It is the "toughest laws Australians ever had," said Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke
The Australian Senate has passed a new "controversial" law that will imprison people found guilty of some terrorism offenses or displaying "terror symbols," with critics fearing that the legislation will disproportionately harm marginalized people in the country.
Individuals convicted of terrorism-related offenses, financing terrorism, or displaying terror symbols will face mandatory prison sentences under new legislation passed on Thursday by both the Labour and opposition parties.
Critics argue that the law may unfairly impact Australia's marginalized communities while also being inconsistent with Australian tradition, according to SBS News.
Liberal MP Andrew Hastie criticized the legislation, arguing that allowing politicians to determine punishments in any given case is extremely risky.
The "toughest laws Australians ever had," coined by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, specify a one-year mandatory sentence for showing Nazi or terrorist symbols, three years for terrorism financing, and six years for other terrorism-related crimes, the broadcaster reported.
The law comes amid the rise of cases of antisemitism in Australia.
This new law's stance on mandatory jail time also contradicts Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's Labor Party platform, which states that minimum sentencing is "discriminatory in practice."
"We want people who are engaged in antisemitic activities to be caught, to be charged, and put in the clink. That's my priority," Albanese was quoted as saying by SBS while defending the law.
Separately, the Israeli Foreign Ministry praised Australia on the legislation, stating that “no Jew in Australia, or anywhere in the world, should have to live in fear,” according to the media outlet.
Australia has activated income support for workers affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which caused severe flooding, power outages, and damage. Workers whose income drops below the average weekly wage can receive up to 13 weeks of financial assistance.
Australia’s east coast is under high alert as Tropical Cyclone Alfred strengthens, moving towards Brisbane, the country’s third-largest city. Authorities have issued severe weather warnings covering more than 500 kilometers (311 miles) across Queensland and New South Wales,
The Australian Government has officially approved Qatar Airways Group’s acquisition of Virgin Australia's 25% minority stake.
The Australian and New Zealand governments announced new sanctions against Russia on February 24, demonstrating solidarity with Ukraine. Both countries have introduced the most extensive package of sanctions since the beginning of the Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Tourists in Bali were left stranded at Denpasar International Airport on March 21, 2025, after the eruption of Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano caused flight cancellations and significant travel disruptions.
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams completed an unexpectedly long 286-day mission on the ISS, returning to Earth aboard a SpaceX capsule after delays caused by technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner.
In a groundbreaking study published in Cell on January 18, Chinese researchers have unveiled a novel cancer treatment that ingeniously disguises tumors as pig tissue, triggering the body’s immune system to mount a hyperacute rejection response against the cancer cells.
Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed on Tuesday to a proposal by U.S. President Donald Trump that Russia and Ukraine cease attacking each other's energy infrastructure for 30 days, the Kremlin said following a lengthy phone discussion between the leaders.
On March 16, at around 09:45, Armenian armed forces opened fire on Azerbaijani positions located in the direction of the Digh settlement in the Goris region, using firearms, according to Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defence.
Serbia’s parliament has officially accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, setting a 30-day deadline for the formation of a new government or the calling of snap elections.
Tourists in Bali were left stranded at Denpasar International Airport on March 21, 2025, after the eruption of Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano caused flight cancellations and significant travel disruptions.
The 10th anniversary of the Germanwings A320 crash, which claimed 150 lives in the French Alps, marks a somber moment in aviation history, prompting significant changes in flight safety protocols.
China and South Korea's foreign ministers held talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo, paving the way for a trilateral meeting aimed at enhancing regional cooperation and addressing key security and economic issues.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to host a summit in Paris on March 27, 2025, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders to discuss strengthening Ukraine's defense, securing short-term military support, and exploring ways to implement a potential ceasefire.
Tourists in Bali were left stranded at Denpasar International Airport on March 21, 2025, after the eruption of Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano caused flight cancellations and significant travel disruptions.
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