Queensland’s government on Sunday unveiled draft hate-speech legislation that would outlaw the slogans “from the river to the sea” and “globalise the intifada”, carrying up to two years’ jail for anyone who displays or recites them with intent to harass or offend. Premier David Crisafulli framed the bill as a direct response to the December Bondi terror attack.
While the reforms target domestic extremism, they also widen the state’s cooperation with federal authorities. The bill’s explanatory notes confirm Queensland Police will share conviction data in real time with Home Affairs, enabling the minister to cancel or refuse visas for offenders under Australia’s character provisions.
For anyone worried about how a potential conviction could affect an existing or future visa, VisaHQ’s Australia portal (https://www.visahq.com/australia/) provides up-to-date guidance on character requirements, paperwork and renewal options, helping students, employees and HR teams navigate the rules before travel or assignment.
![Queensland Bill Would Criminalise Pro-Palestine Slogans and Expand Penalties for Visa Holders]()
Legal academics warn the threshold for proving intent could capture peaceful protestors, including international students and temporary workers, creating new compliance risks for universities and employers. Jewish community groups back the bill, saying it finally gives police teeth to combat rising antisemitic incidents.
Practically, mobility managers must brief expatriates and assignees about the new speech restrictions once enacted—especially those likely to attend rallies. Immigration lawyers also expect a spike in ministerial intervention cases if visa-holders are charged under the offence.
The bill will be introduced to parliament on Tuesday and is expected to pass with opposition support, making Queensland the first Australian state to proscribe specific Middle-East-related phrases.
While the reforms target domestic extremism, they also widen the state’s cooperation with federal authorities. The bill’s explanatory notes confirm Queensland Police will share conviction data in real time with Home Affairs, enabling the minister to cancel or refuse visas for offenders under Australia’s character provisions.
For anyone worried about how a potential conviction could affect an existing or future visa, VisaHQ’s Australia portal (https://www.visahq.com/australia/) provides up-to-date guidance on character requirements, paperwork and renewal options, helping students, employees and HR teams navigate the rules before travel or assignment.
Legal academics warn the threshold for proving intent could capture peaceful protestors, including international students and temporary workers, creating new compliance risks for universities and employers. Jewish community groups back the bill, saying it finally gives police teeth to combat rising antisemitic incidents.
Practically, mobility managers must brief expatriates and assignees about the new speech restrictions once enacted—especially those likely to attend rallies. Immigration lawyers also expect a spike in ministerial intervention cases if visa-holders are charged under the offence.
The bill will be introduced to parliament on Tuesday and is expected to pass with opposition support, making Queensland the first Australian state to proscribe specific Middle-East-related phrases.
