Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir has been listed as a prohibited hate group under new legislation passed in response to the Bondi terrorist attack, which targeted Jewish Australians in December.
New Laws and Implications
This listing marks the first of its kind under the new laws. Membership, recruitment, training, funding, or material support for Hizb ut-Tahrir are now illegal. Offences related to the group carry a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment.
Hizb ut-Tahrir, described as a radical Islamic political organisation, aims to re-establish a caliphate and rejects Western democratic values. The group has been on the radar of Australian spy agency ASIO for years, but previously did not meet the legal threshold for a formal ban.
Government and ASIO Response
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated his “history of fighting with Hizb ut-Tahrir goes back 20 years.” He also noted a “general acceptance from Australians that there is a level of hatred and dehumanising language that does provide a pathway for violence.”
The decision to list Hizb ut-Tahrir followed a recommendation from ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess, who has long expressed concern about the group’s influence and potential to incite violence. Mr. Burke emphasized that ministers do not have “unfettered powers to ban organisations,” and that ASIO’s recommendation was a key condition for the listing.
The new laws define hate groups as those that publicly incite hatred or communal violence based on race or national/ethnic origin.
Further Developments
Shadow Home Affairs Minister Jonno Duniam welcomed the listing, stating the laws were “working as intended” to protect Australians. He added that the group had been advocating “appalling and disgusting approaches” and “should have been shut down a long time ago.”
Mr. Burke previously indicated in February that the government had begun the process of banning the group after receiving advice from ASIO. Hizb ut-Tahrir is already outlawed in several countries, including Egypt, Germany, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the United Kingdom.
Australia’s intelligence agencies are also continuing to monitor former members of the National Socialist Network, which disbanded in January.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hizb ut-Tahrir?
Hizb ut-Tahrir is a radical Islamic political organisation that aims to re-establish a caliphate and rejects Western democratic values.
What are the consequences of being associated with Hizb ut-Tahrir?
People who are members of, recruit for, provide training or funds to, or provide material support to Hizb ut-Tahrir will be in breach of the law, facing a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment.
What prompted this listing?
The listing of Hizb ut-Tahrir as a prohibited hate group was prompted by the Bondi terrorist attack and made possible by new legislation passed in January.
As Australia navigates the complexities of national security and freedom of expression, how might this new legislation impact the balance between protecting citizens and upholding fundamental rights?
