Addressing Hate

​​Hate is not acceptable

There is no place in Australia for hatred of any kind.

Every Australian, no matter their race or religion, should be able to enjoy their life in any Australian community, without prejudice or discrimination.

If you experience or witness hate, racism or prejudice, don’t put up with it; speak up.

Hate crimes

A hate crime is a crime motivated by hate towards a person or against a group of people, because of their specific characteristics, such as:

• race
• religion
• sex
• sexual orientation
• gender identity
• intersex status
• disability
• nationality
• national or ethnic origin
• political opinion.

What is unlawful can vary depending on which state or territory in Australia you live in. For more information and support contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.

Find out more about Commonwealth hate crime offences that protect all Australians from threats of violence.

Hate incidents

When there is no crime committed, but an action is still motivated by hate, racism or prejudice, it may be a hate incident.

If you are the victim of a hate crime

Hate crimes are taken very seriously by authorities in Australia. Contact police if you are the victim of a hate crime.

• In an emergency or life-threatening situation, call Triple Zero (000) and ask for police.
• ​If there is no immediate danger, call the Police Assistance Line (131 444).
• If you are concerned about possible signs of terrorism and foreign interference, call the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400 or visit Australian National Security. 

If you are the victim of a hate incident, racism or prejudice

Report the incident

By reporting incidents, you become part of a larger movement to remove hate, racism and prejudice from our society. Reporting also allows authorities to understand patterns of behaviour in local areas to maintain your safety. Many reporting options are available to you:

• Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) - To lodge a complaint with the AHRC, call the AHRC’s National Information Service on 1300 656 419 or 02 9284 9888 or visit Complaints
• State and territory anti-discrimination commissions - What is unlawful can vary depending on where you live. We encourage you to report incidents to your state or territory-based anti-discrimination commission.
  • Anti-Discrimination NSW
  • Queensland Human Rights Commission
  • Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission
  • South Australia Equal Opportunity Commission
  • Northern Territory Anti-Discrimination Commission
  • Western Australia Equal Opportunity Commission
  • Equal Opportunity Tasmania
  • ACT Human Rights Commission
• Local Councils - You should check if your local council can resolve or address your complaint – for example, graffiti removal or street cleaning.
• Office of the eSafety Commissioner - If the incident happens online, you may be able to report it to the Office of the eSafety Commissioner.
• Community-led registers - Many community groups have created their own process for reporting incidents of hate, racism or prejudice. Learn more about responding to racism.

If you are a bystander or witness to hate, racism or prejudice

If you witness an assault or an act of violence, contact the police:

• In an emergency or life-threatening situation, call Triple Zero (000) and ask for police.
• If there is no immediate danger, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or the Police Assistance Line (131 444).
• If you are concerned about possible signs of terrorism and foreign interference, call the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400 or visit Australian National Security.

When people who witness hate, racism or prejudice speak out against it, this act makes the person being targeted feel supported. It can make the person being hateful reconsider their behaviour. Don’t put yourself at risk. But if it is safe to do so, speak up and stand with the victim. Even a simple gesture can be powerful.

The AHRC has tips for bystanders.

You can also submit a written report to Crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers is an independent non-for-profit that collects information on crimes and shares accordingly with law enforcement agencies. Learn more about Crime Stoppers.

Report online extremist material

If you have found any material on the internet that could encourage radicalisation towards violence, report it directly to the Office of the eSafety Commissioner.

If you are concerned about a loved one or person you know heading down a path of violent extremism

Ask for help and report your concerns

Living Safe Together is an Australian Government resource to help you identify and understand violent extremism. The site contains contact details for the National Security Hotline, which can refer an individual to a support and intervention program. Find out more about Living Safe Together.

Counselling and Mental Health Wellbeing

For free and confidential personal crisis and mental health support services you can contact:

• Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or
• Lifeline on 13 11 14 at any time.

Kids Helpline is a free service for young people aged 5 to 25. Kids, teens and young adults can call 1800 551 800 at any time. Learn more about Kid’s Helpline.

13YARN is a 24/7 crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. First Nations people can connect with 13YARN on 13 92 76 at any time and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter.

Witness to War is a national multilingual telephone hotline for people affected by overseas conflicts. Free call: 1800 845 198 Monday to Friday.

Translating and Interpreting Service

The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) is an interpreting service for people who do not speak English. The majority of TIS National services are free to non-English speakers.

You can phone 131 450 or visit the TIS National website.​