Anthony Albanese’s efforts to strengthen hate laws remain uncertain as politicians gather in Canberra for a special parliamentary sitting in response to the recent Bondi terror attack. On Saturday, the Prime Minister abandoned a controversial plan to criminalize the promotion of racial hatred, a move that had sparked criticism from both sides of the political spectrum.
The remaining proposals on the table include a new gun buyback scheme, measures to blacklist hate groups, and the deportation of migrants who spread hate. However, these stripped-back hate laws may not advance this week unless the Coalition pledges its support in advance. The government is keen to avoid a futile parliamentary debate over measures lacking bipartisan backing.
Political Maneuvering and Uncertain Outcomes
A source within the Liberal Party indicated that the Prime Minister’s office is willing to shelve any part of the bill that lacks Coalition support, opting to proceed with only those parts that have bipartisan agreement. “The position of the government appears to be whatever the opposition says it should be,” the source commented. “The Prime Minister has indicated no attachment to any aspect of his own bill … The Coalition will consider all our options, in the national interest. There will be a negotiation on the opposition’s terms, not the government’s.”
In response, a government spokesperson rejected this account but refrained from detailing the nature or substance of communications with the opposition. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Albanese has called for unity, emphasizing that it is “time that the politics stopped” and asserting that the Coalition has “no excuse” not to pass the new hate laws.
Calls for Unity Amidst Political Tensions
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley expressed willingness to review the bills but resisted being “lectured about unity.” Katy Gallagher, Labor’s manager of business in the Senate, stated on Sunday that she had engaged with opposition counterparts but had not yet received “concrete feedback,” signaling that the government would not proceed without assurances of support.
“The PM was pretty clear, he doesn’t want division on the floor of parliament. This is a moment of national importance … We want agreement on the way forward. We want the parliament to work together,” Gallagher remarked.
Despite the Prime Minister’s previous insistence that all measures be considered as a package deal, the gun laws will be split into a separate bill. This bill, along with any hate measures that have garnered support, is set to be introduced to the Lower House on Tuesday. Monday’s sitting will primarily focus on condolence motions for the victims of the Bondi attack.
Expert Opinions and Legislative Implications
The parliamentary joint committee on intelligence and security, which reviewed the previous draft of the bill last week, reconvened on Sunday to finalize its report. Senator Gallagher noted that the report would be published by Sunday night or Monday morning. The Coalition’s shadow cabinet is expected to meet on Sunday, with a final position to be determined at a full party room meeting on Monday.
Peter Wertheim, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, emphasized the importance of bipartisan cooperation to pass effective legislation against the deliberate promotion of racial hatred. He expressed disappointment over the abandonment of plans for a new offence targeting hate promotion, stating, “We are very concerned at the message this will send that deliberate promotion of racial hatred is not considered serious enough to be criminalized.”
“The major parties should work together to get legislation passed now that will advance us further down the road towards having effective laws against the deliberate promotion of racial hatred,” Wertheim urged.
This development follows a broader context of increasing global awareness and legislative efforts to combat hate speech and racial hatred. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of these legislative decisions will resonate beyond the immediate parliamentary debates, potentially shaping future policies and societal norms.
As the week unfolds, all eyes will be on Canberra to see whether a consensus can be reached, paving the way for meaningful legislative action or if political divisions will stall progress once again.
