Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Indigenous Australians) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Pocock for the question. I can say from the outset that the Albanese government is committing and committed to keeping Australians safe online. This has been an important area, especially for the minister, Michelle Rowland, who has done a tremendous job in this role over the last couple of years in terms of this area of legislation.

We know that keeping Australians—particularly young Australians—safe online is absolutely imperative. As recommended by the review, we have already legislated increased penalties for breaches of the act, from less than $1 million to $50 million; we will legislate a digital duty of care to put the onus for protecting Australians on the platforms; and we are engaging with industry and the community to ensure it does meet community expectations.

We're certainly working through the remainder of the recommendations to ensure we deliver reforms that protect Australians. The review makes clear the importance of balancing and depoliticising our response to online hate. It recommends that attacks against a person's religion or race should be captured but not ideas, concepts or institutions. We are determined to get it right. We're determined to get our response right, to prevent the spread of antisemitic and homophobic material without impeding free speech in our country.