The Chris Minns government is introducing new laws to crack down on hate crimes targeting LGBTQ+ people in New South Wales.
The changes include tougher penalties of up to five years in prison and a new offence aimed at stopping online “luring” attacks linked to violent robberies.
The government of New South Wales is moving to strengthen laws targeting hate crimes against LGBTQ+ Australians.
Premier Chris Minns says the new measures are designed to stop violent attacks and increase prosecutions for offenders who target people because of their identity.
New offence targeting online “luring”
One key change will create a new criminal offence for people who lure victims using false or misleading information with the intent to carry out a serious assault or robbery.
The proposal follows reports of attacks in which victims were allegedly targeted through dating apps.
Some incidents involved groups of teenagers who arranged meetings with victims before robbing or assaulting them. In several cases, the assaults were filmed and shared online.
Authorities say the new offence is designed to stop those crimes before they escalate into violence.
Stronger penalties for threats and violence
Under the reforms, penalties for threatening or inciting violence against someone because of a protected attribute – including sexual orientation or gender identity – will increase.
The maximum prison sentence would rise from three years to five years.
Minns said the attacks targeting LGBTQ+ people had shocked the community.
“These attacks are sickening and completely unacceptable,” he said.
“These laws send a clear message that if you target someone out of hatred, you will face serious consequences.”
Expanding “post and boast” offences
The government will also expand existing “post and boast” laws, which apply when criminals share videos of their crimes online.
Those offences would now include serious assaults and robberies targeting members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Debate over broader hate speech laws
However, the government has not yet expanded other controversial laws dealing with inciting hatred.
A review examining whether existing laws covering racial hatred should also apply to gender identity and sexuality has been under consideration.
The review was tabled in late 2025, but the government has not yet announced whether it will broaden those offences.
What happens next
The proposed changes will be introduced to the Parliament of New South Wales, where they must pass before becoming law.
If approved, authorities say the reforms will give police and prosecutors stronger tools to deal with hate-motivated attacks and online targeting of vulnerable communities.
