Majority of Australians support stricter hate speech and immigration laws following Bondi Beach terror attack, poll finds

Shockwaves from the December 14 terrorist attack at Bondi Beach are reshaping Australia’s political debate, with a new national poll revealing overwhelming public support for tougher hate speech laws, stricter immigration screening and harsher penalties for those who incite antisemitic violence, as pressure mounts on the Albanese government to act swiftly in the face of growing community fear and anger.

According to the latest Resolve poll for The Sydney Morning Herald, nearly half or more of Australians say changes are needed.

The Bondi terror attack

On 14 December 2025, a terrorist attack targeted a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, Sydney, leaving 15 people dead and around 40 injured. Two gunmen opened fire from a nearby footbridge, and improvised explosive devices were found but failed to detonate.
The attack was motivated by antisemitism and linked to Islamic State ideology.

Among those surveyed, 76 per cent supported stricter immigration screening to detect antisemitic or extremist views, 70 per cent backed tougher hate speech laws, and 67 per cent favoured harsher penalties for individuals who incite violence against the Jewish community.

Support for a federal royal commission is significant, with 48 per cent of those surveyed backing a national inquiry into the Bondi attack and 34 per cent remaining undecided. The opposition, joined by two Labor MPs, argues that the state-based royal commission currently underway does not have the same reach or scope, with Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley saying earlier this week, “We have work to do in order to honour the dead.”

"We must confront uncomfortable truths, hard truths. That's what this Commonwealth royal commission is about."

According to 9News website, the Rabbinical Association has urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to establish a federal royal commission, citing widespread fear and anger within the Jewish community, but the prime minister has rejected the call, pointing to the ongoing state royal commission, departmental review and police investigation already underway.

"What we need to do is to work immediately," he said.

"The idea that we would have multiple royal commissions as well as a review running at the same time is going to simply delay action."

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has outlined a wide-ranging package of reforms, including tougher hate speech laws, a landmark gun buyback scheme and a new offence to outlaw the radicalisation of children, alongside expanded powers for the home affairs minister to cancel or refuse visas for individuals suspected of promoting violence, engaging in hate speech, being linked to terrorist organisations or displaying hate symbols.

He is expected to recall parliament in January to move swiftly on the introduction of the new hate speech and gun laws.