MEDIA STATEMENT 6 March 2026
I welcome today’s announcement that Hizb ut-Tahrir has been listed as a prohibited hate group under the new national security legislation passed by Federal Parliament in January this year. This long-overdue move ensures accountability for a group that has persistently sought to undermine Australian values and public safety. It also marks a critical first step in eradicating antisemitism and radical Islamic extremist ideology within our country.
For years, Hizb ut-Tahrir has been a breeding ground for radical Islamic extremism and hatred worldwide. While the group has arguably stayed within legal boundaries to avoid being listed as a terrorist organisation in Australia, it has consistently glorified terrorism, incited antisemitic hatred, and celebrated acts of mass murder, including the October 7, 2023, attacks. Hizb ut-Tahrir has also acted as a conveyor belt to terrorism, with numerous former members or supporters advancing to join terrorist organisations.
For too long, Hizb ut-Tahrir has been allowed to operate with impunity in Australia, while being banned or restricted in other jurisdictions, including the UK. This has enabled it to radicalise individuals and foster an environment of antisemitic hatred, leaving Jewish Australians feeling unsafe on our streets and ultimately culminating in the tragic Bondi Beach terrorist attack.
That is why, in both my previous roles as Deputy Chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security and Shadow Attorney-General, I consistently advocated for tougher action against Hizb ut-Tahrir. It is also why I supported the prohibited hate group regime under the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Act 2026, ensuring that the law was tough on extremist groups while safeguarding the freedoms of law-abiding Australians.
It is high time that Hizb ut-Tahrir faces the consequences of its actions. The listing also sends a strong warning to other extremist groups: there are repercussions for those who seek to undermine our way of life.
Other radical Islamic extremist and neo-Nazi organisations that qualify for listing should similarly be held accountable under the law.
We must remain vigilant in protecting our values and continue to send a clear and firm message: antisemitism and radical Islamic extremism will no longer be tolerated in Australia.
Only the Coalition will protect Australians’ way of life and restore their standard of living.
[ENDS]
Media Contact: Brendan West – 0402 556 646 – Brendan.west@aph.gov.au