Politics Now Will hate speech laws split the Coalition?
Jan 20, 2026
The Albanese Government is pushing through hate speech and gun reform bills amidst chaotic scenes in Parliament. Tensions brew in the Coalition, especially with the Nationals hesitating to support new hate laws. Internal divisions within the Liberal Party highlight their struggle to align on key issues like standing with Jewish communities. Gun law changes seem likely to pass with Greens support, but what will it mean politically for existing parties? The discussion dives into the complexities of criminalizing hate speech and the potential risks involved.
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Greens Make Gun Reforms Likely
- Gun reforms look likely because the Greens' support makes Nationals' opposition less decisive.
- Proposed limits (four for recreational users, ten for farmers/pro shooters) aim to balance safety and rural needs.
Hate Laws Have Been Diluted
- The government already watered down hate speech proposals to address free-speech concerns.
- Those changes make banning groups like Hizb ut-Tahrir harder than in the original draft.
Criminalising Hate Speech Is Hard
- Creating a criminal offence for non-violent hate speech is legally and politically difficult.
- Patricia Karvelas notes such laws require careful drafting and face High Court and parliamentary hurdles.