Australia's government says it will review migration laws and crack down on hate speech following the mass shooting attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach. The announcement comes a day after the surviving suspect behind the shooting was formally charged with terrorism and murder offenses. Kristina Kukolja has more.
KRISTINA KUKOLJA: Waves crash against the sand at Bondi Beach as police reopen the site of Sunday's attack to the public on the day the oldest victim of the shooting, 87-year-old Alex Kleytman, a Holocaust survivor, was laid to rest. The youngest, 10-year-old Matilda, was also buried on Thursday. Her mother Valeria (ph), believed after leaving war-torn Ukraine, her family would be safe in Australia.
VALENTYNA: And I couldn't imagine I'd lose my daughter here. (Crying) It's just a nightmare.
KUKOLJA: One in which authorities say a father and son, allegedly inspired by the Islamic State group, opened fire on crowds celebrating Hanukkah. Hundreds of miles away in Canberra, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese vowed a firm response.
PRIME MINISTER ANTHONY ALBANESE: Australians are shocked and angry. I am angry.
KUKOLJA: After announcing plans to work with the state government to tighten gun control laws, the national government says it will review Australia's migration laws to ensure that people with antisemitic or racist views cannot migrate to the country. Prime Minister Albanese says new laws will also be introduced to tackle hate speech.
ALBANESE: Aggravated hate speech offense for preachers and leaders who promote violence. Secondly, increased penalties for hate speech promoting violence. Thirdly, making hate an aggravating factor in sentencing crimes for online threats and harassment.
KUKOLJA: Prime Minister Albanese says the proposed reform would also give the minister who oversees federal police and border control agencies more authority to refuse some visa applications.
ALBANESE: The Minister for Home Affairs will also have new powers to cancel or reject visas for those who spread hate and division in this country or would do so if they were allowed to come here.
KUKOLJA: Australian Federal Police commissioner Krissy Barrett says her agency is already investigating a number of so-called hate preachers.
KRISSY BARRETT: The AFP has ongoing investigations into people who have been described as hate preachers. These individuals who spew hatred and cause fear are on my radar.
KUKOLJA: The proposed laws will have to face their first hurdle in the National Parliament when it resumes sittings next year.
For NPR News, I'm Kristina Kukolja in Sydney. (SOUNDBITE OF BIG KRIT SONG, "OTHER SIDE OF THE GAME")
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