Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has confirmed that the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) has assessed that the Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir meets the necessary criteria to be banned under the country's new hate laws, which were enacted following recent violent incidents including the Bondi attack. This legislative response is part of a broader initiative aimed at addressing groups considered to incite hate and violence within the nation, thus strengthening public safety and societal harmony.

The government's move to target Hizb ut-Tahrir is significant as it represents a shift in how Australia addresses extremist groups. The legislation is designed not only to curb the influence of Hizb ut-Tahrir but also complements efforts to tackle other hate groups, such as those associated with neo-Nazi ideologies. This proactive stance reflects a growing concern among Australian authorities regarding increasing instances of hate speech and extremist activity, which have been increasingly scrutinized in recent years.

Additionally, Minister Burke mentioned an update concerning 34 Australians located in Syria. He noted that one woman had been denied entry based on assessments that categorize her case as notably distinct from others. This highlights the government’s approach in handling cases of Australians involved in or affected by extremist activities overseas, further intertwining national security with broader international concerns regarding terrorism and radicalization.