A Dutton Government will take strong and decisive action to make Australians safer, cracking down on crime and combating the alarming rise in antisocial behaviour, including anti-Semitism.
“With Labor failing to address rising crime and extremism, the Coalition has announced policies and measures to protect Australians. This approach will target drug crime, violence, and anti-social behaviour across the nation,” Mr Hamilton said.
The Coalition announced this week a suite of new actions to combat rising extremism and anti-Semitism. Where the Albanese Government has shown weakness and failed to combat extremism, a Dutton Coalition Government will show strength and act.
“The shocking rise in anti-Semitism in our country is a national crisis which requires a national response,” Mr Hamilton said.
“The recent attacks on homes and places of worship are acts of terror. The Jewish community feels abandoned under Labor, and it’s time for real leadership to ensure these vile acts are met with strong consequences.
If elected, a Dutton Coalition Government will:
- Take a national leadership role expected of the Commonwealth Government, including convening a National Cabinet to combat anti-Semitism and extremism.
- Strengthen the sentencing regime for terrorism by legislating for a mandatory minimum term of 6 years imprisonment for all acts of terrorism under Commonwealth law.
- Amend draft laws currently before the parliament to make it a hate crime to urge or threaten violence towards a place of worship; punishable by imprisonment for 5 years or 7 years in the case of an aggravated offence.
- Introduce mandatory minimum sentences of 12 months imprisonment for the public display of prohibited Nazi symbols, prohibited terrorist organisation symbols, and giving the Nazi salute in public, and increase the maximum penalty to 5 years imprisonment.
This is in addition to the Coalition announcement of a funding boost of $7.5 million to support the work of Crime Stoppers, and other measures such as new knife laws, stronger penalties, and expanding the Centre to Counter Child Exploitation.
Federal Member for Groom, Garth Hamilton, said the funding would provide the resources needed to make a greater impact.
“Crime Stoppers is a trusted link between the community and law enforcement. Last year alone, tips from the public led to nearly 4,000 arrests and 10,000 charges. This additional investment ensures Crime Stoppers can expand their operations, deliver real results and help keep our neighbourhoods secure.” Mr Hamilton said.
“Enough is enough. Australians deserve to feel safe, and we cannot tolerate hate in any form, Mr Hamilton said.
“The crime, violence and terror must end.
ENDS.
Media Contact: Greta Dwan 0414 211 908