Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said his government will crack down on hate speech following Sunday’s deadly shooting at Bondi Beach that targeted a Jewish festival.

At least 15 people were killed when two gunmen opened fire at an event marking the first day of Hanukkah.

Speaking to reporters in Canberra, Albanese said new laws would target “those who spread hate, division and radicalisation”.

He said the Home Affairs Minister would be granted new powers to cancel or refuse visas for individuals who promote hate.

A new taskforce will also be established to ensure the education system “prevents, tackles and properly responds to antisemitism”.

The proposed laws will include penalties for preachers and leaders who promote violence, the creation of a new federal offence of “aggravated hate speech”, and the inclusion of “hate” as an aggravating factor in sentencing for crimes involving online threats and harassment.

“Every Jewish Australian has the right to feel safe, valued and respected for the contribution that they make to our great nation,” Albanese said.

“The terrorists, inspired by ISIS, sought to turn Australians against each other. Australians have responded to that act of hatred with love and sympathy for those in mourning.”

Albanese added that his government would be “fully supporting and adopting” recommendations outlined in a report released in July by antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal, who also addressed the press conference.

Segal said Australia was “at a very important moment not only for our community, but for fighting antisemitism around the world”.

Her report, however, attracted criticism upon its release in July, with concerns raised about its implications for free speech.

Critics cited proposals to monitor universities and arts organisations, and to withhold funding from institutions deemed to have failed to act against antisemitism. Some groups warned the measures could be used to silence pro-Palestinian protests.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the government was “shifting the threshold”.

“There have been individuals who have exploited a nation built on strong principles of freedom of speech, pushing language that is clearly dehumanising and unacceptable, but stopping short of direct violence,” Burke said.

Meanwhile, Albanese acknowledged accusations from the Jewish community that his government had not done enough to prevent antisemitism since the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, saying more could have been done.

“I accept my responsibility for that as the prime minister of Australia,” he said. “But I also accept my responsibility to lead and unite the nation, because what people are looking for at this time is not more division.”