About this crime type
About this crime
There is no place in Australia for hatred or extremism of any kind.
Every Australian, no matter their race or religion, should be able to enjoy their life in any Australian community, without prejudice or discrimination.
A hate crime is any crime motivated by hate towards a person or group of people because of their:
- race
- religion
- sex
- sexual orientation
- gender identity
- intersex status
- disability
- nationality
- national or ethnic origin
- political opinion.
Division 80 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) makes it clear that advocating or threatening the use of force and violence is unacceptable and will be subject to serious criminal penalties.
It is a crime to:
- advocate or threaten violence against groups, their members, or close associates
- advocate or threaten damage to places of worship, or the property of group members or close associates.
We work closely with state and territory police, and Commonwealth partners to investigate these crimes and hold persons accountable for their actions.
These criminal offences also work alongside state and territory criminal offences and other related Commonwealth criminal offences, including:
- advocating terrorism (section 80.2C)
- publicly displaying prohibited symbols or giving the Nazi salute (sections 80.2H and 80.2HA)
- using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence (section 474.17).
Find out more about Commonwealth hate crime offences
Reporting hate crime
If you have witnessed or suspect hate crime activity, call the 24-hour National Security Hotline 1800 123 400.
For non-urgent hate crime-related matters, send us information by filling out our
In an emergency, call 000 for police, fire brigade or ambulance.
