Stronger protections for LGBTQIA+ community pass Parliament

The reforms, which passed the Legislative Council last night, expand 'post and boast' offences to assault and robbery following a string of horrific attacks against members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

It followed the Opposition and Greens teaming up with Mark Latham yesterday to defeat a Government motion to have the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Hate Crimes) Bill 2026 urgently debated in the Legislative Council.

The Government was determined to get these reforms through and introduced the Bill later that day.

As well as expanding 'post and boast' laws, our reforms create new offences directed at offenders who lure victims on false pretenses only to offend against them, including via dating apps.

Publicly threatening or inciting violence on the grounds of a protected attribute such as sexual orientation or gender identity will increase from three to five years' imprisonment.

A higher penalty of up to seven years will apply if violence results from threats or incitement.

The Bill also amends the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 to make it easier for prosecutors to prove an offence was motivated by prejudice or hatred.

This will strengthen the ability of police and prosecutors to pursue hate crime charges and ensure that prejudice-motivated offending is properly recognised and punished by the courts.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

"These laws provide important protections for LGBTQIA+ people while imposing tough new penalties on thugs who commit hate-fuelled attacks.

"I'm glad the Opposition and Greens decided to back increased protections for LGBTQIA+ people, instead of trying to score points against the Government at the community's expense."