Melbourne, Australia—The Victorian Government has introduced new laws aimed at tackling hate speech and fostering social cohesion. These laws ensure that all people in the state are protected from vilification and discrimination, regardless of their background or beliefs.
In a major step forward, Premier Jacinta Allan and Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes today announced the introduction of the Justice Legislation Amendment (Anti-Vilification and Social Cohesion) Bill 2024. The Bill is designed to enhance legal protections for Victorians who face vilification based on their race, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics.
The new legislation, which will extend protections against vilification to cover more groups, aims to strengthen the state's commitment to inclusivity and unity while maintaining the right to free expression.
Expanded Protections for Victorians
Currently, Victoria has laws that protect individuals from vilification based on race and religion. Under the new Bill, these protections will be expanded to include attributes such as disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and sex characteristics. Additionally, people who are closely associated with someone holding these protected attributes, such as parents of children with disabilities, will also be safeguarded.
The Government’s move comes after calls from various community groups and leaders who have advocated for broader protections against hate and discrimination.
“Everyone deserves to be safe in our state, free from hate. This Bill ensures that no one is targeted or vilified simply for being who they are or for the communities they belong to,” said Premier Jacinta Allan. “The Victoria I love is a place where we come from hundreds of different backgrounds, but we are one community—Victoria united.”
New Criminal Offences for Serious Vilification
The Bill introduces two new criminal offences to tackle serious vilification. The first makes it an offence to incite hatred or serious contempt against an individual or group based on their protected attribute. In contrast, the second criminalises threats of physical harm or property damage against those same groups.
These new offences, which will carry penalties of up to five years in prison, will be included in the Crimes Act, ensuring that hate speech and threats are treated with the seriousness they deserve.
“These strong new laws support social cohesion by making it easier for police to charge those who incite violence against people based on who they are,” Premier Allan added.
Strengthening Civil Protections
In addition to the criminal reforms, the Bill strengthens existing civil protections. Victims of vilification will be able to seek remedies through the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission or the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. This means that those subjected to hate speech in public spaces and online will have additional avenues to address the harm caused.
The new laws will also expand the definition of vilification to include conduct such as the public ridicule of people based on their identity—whether on social media, at public gatherings, or elsewhere.
Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes emphasised the importance of balancing the right to free speech with the need to protect people from harm. "Freedom of expression is important, but this must be balanced with the vital right for Victorians to be safe and participate in public life," Symes said. "This Bill ensures we can protect our communities from hate while maintaining the right to engage in legitimate political and social debate."
Defending Freedom of Speech and Religion
The Government has clarified that the new laws will protect freedom of speech and religion. A new political expression defence will allow for political debate and expression, ensuring that these essential rights are not unduly restricted. Furthermore, the Bill recognises the importance of religious freedom by maintaining protections for genuine religious activities, such as worship and religious teaching.
“Religious freedom is at the heart of social cohesion in Victoria,” Premier Allan noted. “We’re committed to ensuring everyone can practice their faith without fear of vilification or ridicule.”
Comments from Bill Papastergiadis, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne
Bill Papastergiadis OAM, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, supported the reforms and praised the government’s efforts to protect all Victorians from hate and vilification.
"Today marks a significant moment for the community in Victoria. As a proud Greek Australian, I know firsthand how hurtful and divisive vilification can be," Papastergiadis said. "This Bill is an important step toward ensuring that every person in our community, regardless of their background or beliefs, can live safely and harmoniously. We commend the Victorian Government for taking strong action to prevent hate and foster social cohesion in our diverse state."
Consultation and Next Steps
The reforms have been developed after extensive consultation with community leaders, including those who have faced anti-Semitism, homophobia, and Islamophobia. The Government has committed to continuing this dialogue with community groups over the coming months to ensure the legislation addresses all concerns. It offers clear guidance on how it will be enforced.
For more information about the Bill, including translated resources and details about how the public