Hizb ut-Tahrir listed as a prohibited hate group
The Department of Home Affairs national security website says: "The Australian Government listed Hizb ut-Tahrir as a prohibited hate group under the Criminal Code on 5 March 2026. The regulations came into effect on 6 March 2026." The legal instrument is the Criminal Code (Prohibited Hate Group—Hizb ut-Tahrir) Regulations 2026 (F2026L00210), made by the Governor-General on the advice of the Federal Executive Council.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said it was "the first listing under the new prohibited hate group listing framework", which is part of the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Act 2026. He said it was now a criminal offence "to be a member of, recruit for, provide training or funds to, or provide material support to Hizb ut-Tahrir." He also said: "For a long time, Hizb ut-Tahrir has been able to spread hate and create a pathway for others to engage in violence." ABC reported that the offences carry a maximum penalty of 15 years' imprisonment.
ABC reported that the laws were passed in response to the Bondi terror attack of December 2025. It said Hizb ut-Tahrir had "been on Australian spy agency ASIO's radar for years, but had previously fallen short of meeting the legal bar to be formally banned". Mr Burke said ASIO's recommendation was a key condition of the listing. Shadow Home Affairs Minister Jonno Duniam said the listing showed the laws were working as intended. (SBS reported that the listing took effect on the Thursday, 5 March. The official Home Affairs page gives 6 March as the date it came into effect.)
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