New hate crime legislation has important implications that Australian businesses should be aware of and reflects a continued emphasis on corporate responsibility in relation to who companies interact with across their supply and value chains. Following the December 2025 Bondi attack, the Commonwealth government fast tracked passing of the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Act 2026 (Cth) (the Act), which took effect on 22 January 2026. Among other legislative changes, the Act inserts a new Part 5.3B (Divisions 114A to 114C) into the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) (Criminal Code) targeting “prohibited hate groups” (being organisations specified in regulations by the Governor-General)1 and those who direct, fund or support them.
Jacqueline Wootton
Partner, Brisbane
Alice Molan
Partner, Melbourne
Antony Crockett
Partner, Hong Kong
Shaun Milligan
Solicitor, Sydney
Key contacts
Jacqueline Wootton
Partner, Brisbane
Alice Molan
Partner, Melbourne
Antony Crockett
Partner, Hong Kong
Shaun Milligan
Solicitor, Sydney
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