Hate crime

Protecting Australians from hatred, discrimination and prejudice
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About this crime type

About this crime

There is no place in Australia for hate crimes or violent extremism of any kind.

Every Australian, regardless of their identity should be able to enjoy their life in any Australian community, without prejudice or discrimination.

In Australia, hate crime legislation exists at both the federal and state/territory levels.

Commonwealth offences

Commonwealth offences may apply where  conduct targets a person or group based on certain characteristics, known as targeted groups. 

These characteristics include:

  • race
  • religion
  • sex
  • sexual orientation
  • gender identity
  • intersex status
  • disability
  • nationality
  • national or ethnic origin
  • political opinion.

Advocating, threatening the use of force or violence against  targeted groups, their members or their associates is a serious criminal offence and can result in significant penalties.

Under Division 80 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly:

  • advocate or threaten violence against targeted groups, their members, or close associates
  • advocate or threaten damage to places of worship, or the property of targeted group members or their close associates.

Types of Hate crime

Online hate crimes

Online threats, harassment and hate-motivated criminal activity.

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Islamophobia

Threats, hatred and offences targeting Muslim communities.

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Hate Crimes directed at First Nations People

Threats, hatred and offences targeting First Nations people.

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Antisemitism

Threats, hatred and offences targeting Jewish communities.

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All crimes

Reporting hate crime

If you have witnessed or suspect hate crime activity, call the 24-hour National Security Hotline 1800 123 400.

Possible outcomes of making a report include:  

  • the AFP may assess and investigate the matter
  • the matter may be referred to another police service or government agency to respond
  • no further action may be taken, for a range of reasons, such as insufficient evidence or where the reported conduct does not meet the legislative thresholds for an offence.

For non-urgent hate crime-related matters, send us information by filling out our

Report a crime form

In an emergency, call 000 for police, fire brigade or ambulance.

Online hate crime - reporting

Report online hate crimes to the eSafety Commissioner if the online abuse involves serious harassment or threats, or to ReportCyber for general cybercrimes and hacking incidents. If you are in immediate danger, always call Triple Zero (000) for emergency services.

Our work

We investigate serious offences involving threats, violence, extremism, hate-based conduct and the use of online platforms to harm, intimidate or target individuals and groups, including:

  • advocating the use of force or violence against targeted groups
  • advocating the use of force or violence against members of targeted groups or close associates
  • threatening the use of force or violence against targeted groups
  • threatening force or violence against members of groups or close associates
  • advocating damage to or destruction of property where the property is owned by targeted groups or a group member
  • advocating terrorism
  • advocating genocide
  • unlawful display of or trading in Prohibited Symbols
  • giving Nazi salute
  • using a carriage service to make a threat
  • using a carriage service to menace or harass
  • using a carriage service to make available personal data of one or more individuals or more members of certain targeted groups (doxxing)
  • sharing of abhorrent violent material
  • accessing or transmitting violent extremist material.

We also work closely with state and territory police services and partner agencies to identify, investigate and respond to threats, violence and hate crimes targeting individuals and groups.

State and territory offences

If there is a potential breach of state or territory law, your local police service will usually be responsible for investigating and responding. 

This may include:

  • physical violence, assault or threats of assault
  • property damage, vandalism or theft
  • stalking or harassment
  • public order incidents or protests
  • local emergency situations.
     

Join us

Use your investigation, intelligence and analytical skills to help protect Australians from hate crime, violent extremism and threats motivated by prejudice and hatred.

We are always looking for dedicated people to join the AFP.

Our investigators, intelligence officers and specialist staff work together to identify, assess and investigate threats directed at individuals and communities because of who they are.

Our people may be involved in:

  • investigating hate crime and violent extremist activity
  • gathering and analysing intelligence
  • identifying harmful or unlawful online content
  • interviewing victims, witnesses and suspects
  • working with law enforcement and government partners
  • preparing briefs of evidence and supporting prosecutions.

You can apply for positions when they are advertised, view our current vacancies

Current Vacancies

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