The Australian government has banned the Islamist organisation Hizb ut-Tahrir under new hate-group legislation introduced after last year’s terror attack at Bondi.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced the decision late on Thursday, making Australia the latest country to outlaw the group.
The move marks the first time the federal government has used new powers created in response to the 14 December attack, which prompted a review of laws dealing with extremist organisations and hate-based movements.
Under the listing, Hizb ut-Tahrir has been designated a prohibited hate group.
Membership of the organisation, recruiting for it, or providing funds, training or other forms of support will now be criminal offences under Australian law.
Burke said the government had acted after long-standing concerns that the group promoted rhetoric capable of encouraging violence.
“There’s a general acceptance from Australians that there is a level of hatred and dehumanising language that does provide a pathway for violence, even if it’s not using the words violence,” Burke said.
The minister said the organisation had been able to operate publicly in the past despite concerns about its ideology.
“For a long time, Hizb ut-Tahrir has been able to spread hate and create a pathway for others to engage in violence,” he said.
The federal government introduced the new hate-group listing framework following the Bondi attack, arguing stronger legal tools were needed to address organisations that promote extremist narratives or social division.
Burke said the updated laws were designed to protect social cohesion and public safety.
“The new hate group listing framework has been designed to stop organisations like Hizb ut-Tahrir from spreading hate and sowing the seeds of division in the community,” he said.
Hizb ut-Tahrir, which advocates for the establishment of a global Islamic caliphate, has been banned in several countries around the world.
A number of Muslim-majority nations including Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan and Bangladesh have already outlawed the organisation.
Australian authorities say the new designation will allow law enforcement agencies to prosecute individuals who attempt to organise, promote or materially support the group inside Australia.