Australia's center-left government has unveiled new legislation aimed at combating hate crimes. The proposed bill introduces severe criminal penalties, including potential jail time, for individuals who commit offenses targeting someone's race, gender, ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation.

This legislative move responds to a recent surge in hate incidents, especially following the Israel-Gaza conflict. It also builds on last year’s significant reforms that banned Nazi salutes and public displays of symbols from terror groups. Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus emphasized, "No Australian should be targeted because of who they are or what they believe. We proudly live in a vibrant, multicultural and diverse community which we must protect and strengthen."

Under the new bill, individuals found threatening violence against a person or group could face up to five years in prison, particularly if the threat causes fear of imminent harm. If the threats are deemed a danger to the government, offenders could receive up to seven years in jail.

Additionally, the government will introduce separate legislation targeting "doxxing," the act of maliciously releasing personal information online. This bill proposes a jail sentence of up to six years for doxxing offenders. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had earlier pledged to address doxxing after anti-Israel groups published private details of numerous Jewish Australians online.

The anti-doxxing bill also includes a provision allowing victims to sue for "serious privacy invasions," though it offers exemptions for journalists and intelligence agencies.

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