Reported at www.bbc.com: Australia has enacted new laws imposing mandatory jail sentences for displaying hate symbols or performing Nazi salutes, following a rise in antisemitic attacks across the country.

The amendments to hate crime laws include penalties such as a minimum of one year in prison for hate symbol display, with harsher sentences for terrorism-related offenses.

Critics argue that the ruling Labor Party is contradicting its stance against mandatory sentencing, while government officials assert that the legislation is necessary to combat hate and violence.