Albanese announces passage of hate laws in Australia

The Senate passed laws to ban hate groups and establish a national gun buyback after the government reached deals with the Liberals and Greens; Prime Minister Albanese said the measures were weaker than first proposed but were "no doubt" a good thing.

Laws to ban hate groups and set up a national gun buyback have passed the Senate. The bills were approved after the Albanese government struck separate agreements with the Liberal Party and the Greens. Lawmakers moved the measures at the end of a special two-day sitting as a response to the 14 December Bondi beach shooting. Key facts: - The Senate approved two bills aimed at banning hate groups and establishing a national gun buyback. - The government made separate deals with the Liberals and the Greens to secure passage. - The legislation was rushed through at the close of a special two-day parliamentary sitting following the 14 December Bondi beach shooting. Summary: The laws represent a swift parliamentary response to the Bondi beach shooting and alter the government's legal approach to hate groups and firearms policy. Undetermined at this time.