Key Takeaways
- The Coalition is set to vote against Labor’s fast-tracked legislation aimed at combating antisemitism and hate speech, citing concerns over the bill’s drafting and potential impact on freedom of speech and religion.
- The opposition leader, Sussan Ley, has expressed reservations about the bill, including the inability of public servants to explain key provisions on hate speech and religious protection.
- The Greens may hold the key to the bill’s passage, with the minor party expected to push Labor to agree to amendments if the Coalition opposes the plan.
- The legislation has sparked division within the Coalition, with some MPs expressing strong reservations about the bill’s provisions on hate speech and religious protection.
- The bill’s fate will be decided next Tuesday, with Labor relying on support from the Greens if the Coalition does not support the bill.
Introduction to the Debate
The Australian parliament is set to vote on a contentious bill aimed at combating antisemitism and hate speech, with the Coalition indicating its opposition to the legislation. The bill, introduced by the Labor government in the wake of the Bondi terror attack, has sparked a heated debate about the balance between protecting vulnerable communities and preserving freedom of speech and religion. The opposition leader, Sussan Ley, has expressed significant reservations about the bill, citing concerns over its drafting and the potential impact on democratic rights.
Concerns Over the Bill’s Drafting
Ley has outlined several key tests that the bill must meet in order to gain the Coalition’s support, including eradicating antisemitism and cracking down on Islamic extremism. However, she has also insisted that the bill must be clearly explained by senior public servants, a condition that has not been met. The opposition leader’s position has received cross-factional support, including from frontbenchers Angus Taylor, Anne Ruston, and Paul Scarr. The Coalition’s concerns over the bill’s drafting have been echoed by other MPs, including Andrew Hastie, who has labeled the legislation an attack on basic democratic rights.
Division Within the Coalition
The Coalition’s position on the bill has been complicated by division within the party, with some MPs expressing strong reservations about the bill’s provisions on hate speech and religious protection. The influential backbencher Andrew Hastie has confirmed that he will oppose the bill, citing concerns over its potential impact on freedom of conscience, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion. Other Coalition MPs, including Garth Hamilton, Henry Pike, and Ben Small, have also expressed strong reservations about the bill. The Nationals, including Matt Canavan and Bridget McKenzie, have indicated their opposition to the bill, with McKenzie slamming the government’s move to include hate speech and gun rules in the same bill.
The Role of the Greens
The Greens party room met on Wednesday to consider the bill, but is yet to finalize its position. The minor party has called for strengthening of hate speech laws, but is expected to push Labor to agree to amendments if the Coalition opposes the plan. The Greens’ concerns include freedom of political expression, but the party wants to be constructive in negotiations with the government. The Greens may hold the key to the bill’s passage, with Labor relying on their support if the Coalition does not support the bill.
The Bill’s Provisions
The bill includes new offences for aggravated hate speech and serious vilification, as well as provisions allowing religious leaders to teach controversial text and religious scripture, even where they discriminate based on ethnicity. However, the exemption has been criticized by some MPs, including the shadow foreign minister, Michaelia Cash, who argues that it risks becoming a shield for hate preachers. Cash has also accused the government of ramming complex laws through parliament without proper scrutiny, citing concerns over the potential impact on freedom of speech and religion.
The Path Forward
The bill’s fate will be decided next Tuesday, with Labor relying on support from the Greens if the Coalition does not support the bill. The government has indicated its willingness to negotiate with the Greens, but it remains to be seen whether the minor party will be able to extract significant concessions. The opposition, meanwhile, has signaled its intention to oppose the bill, citing concerns over its drafting and potential impact on democratic rights. As the debate continues, it is clear that the bill’s passage will depend on the ability of the government to address the concerns of both the Coalition and the Greens.