US EditionHow the Hate Speech Bill Has Been Received so Far
The bill responds to the Bondi terror attack that killed 15 and injured 40, prompting debate over its effectiveness and potential legal risks, officials and groups say.
- On December 14, the Bondi terror attack prompted the federal Labor government to draft the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026 as its full response to an attack that claimed 15 lives and injured 40.
- The coalition had demanded parliament be recalled before Christmas and now signals likely opposition, with Opposition Leader Sussan Ley calling the proposal `half-baked` and coalition senator Jonathon Duniam saying it won't stop anti‑Semitism or Islamic extremism.
- The Executive Council of Australian Jewry called for targeted fixes rather than wholesale rejection, Greg Barnes SC warned hastily drafted laws may miss critical details, and Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi and Firearms Owners United raised civil rights and firearm concerns.
- A report on the hate speech reforms is due on Friday, with debate set for Monday when parliament returns, as academics and advocacy groups weigh in alongside the Coalition and Greens.
- Looking to the long term, the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026 could reshape federal policy on antisemitism and extremism, with legal experts and stakeholders warning rushed passage risks unintended consequences and a contested parliamentary battle.
14 Articles
14 Articles
What have we done to deserve this? A dud bill, from a dud government, railed at by a dud opposition
The government's hate speech bill is very much the product of the Albanese-era. And the reaction to it from the opposition is also deeply in character for a flailing Coalition. The post What have we done to deserve this? A dud bill, from a dud government, railed at by a dud opposition appeared first on Crikey.
Opposition, Greens Will Not Support Labor’s Anti-Semitism, Hate Speech Bill
The federal Coalition and Greens has expressed serious concerns around Labor’s proposed hate speech laws as academics and advocacy groups also weigh in. The Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026 captures the federal Labor government’s full response to the Bondi terror attack that claimed 15 lives and injured 40 others. The 144-page draft will be debated next week with only a 48-hour period for public submissions. The draft has al…
Sydney Morning Herald
Coalition appears set to oppose hate speech laws
The opposition looks set to oppose the government's proposed hate speech laws.
Opposition Grows to Labor’s "Horrendous" Hate Speech Bill: "Worst Assault on Freedom Yet" · Caldron Pool
Opposition is increasing to the federal government’s proposed hate speech legislation, with several Senators and MPs raising concerns about its scope, timing, and potential impact on civil liberties. The legislation, titled the Combating Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026, was drafted following the December 2025 terrorist attack at Bondi Beach that killed 15 people. The bill expands on hate crime amendments passed in 2025 and is currentl…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
