We are now hurtling down the slippery slope. The major parties have betrayed their people playing politics. Didn’t think it would happen here. Stupid me.
Deeply distressed at this threat to our democracy. This should not have been rushed through without proper consideration. Our major political parties are failing us more than ever
The comments made by Penny Wong on ABC AM on 20 January 2026 (see https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/am/penny-wong-marks-hate-speech-gun-reforms/106251644?utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared ) added to my concerns about these laws. When queried about criticism of Israel, including its right to exist, in the context of these laws, Wong says something alarming at about 04:10-04:13 "...I note some of the things you put to me are clearly against government policy..." - sorry Penny, did I miss something? Is it against the law to oppose government policy now?? Something you're not telling us Penny?
The state of political discourse in this country has taken a very dark turn and I didn't expect it to happen under the ALP.
A surprise today was Senator McDonald of the Nationals holding her own very well against Patricia Karvelas. McDonald was determined to remind PK that she voted against the bills because of concerns raised by "tens of thousands" of constituents about the scope of the provisions every time PK tried to focus on the politics of the now-former coalition. At least someone was trying to focus of the actual policy and scope of what's been passed this week.
We are now hurtling down the slippery slope. The major parties have betrayed their people playing politics. Didn’t think it would happen here. Stupid me.
Is there a chance that the laws could be struck down as unconstitutional, on the grounds that it restricts the right to political communication?
That's a good question and one we'll no doubt explore. The problem is the laws are so vague - which makes them incredibly dangerous.
Deeply distressed at this threat to our democracy. This should not have been rushed through without proper consideration. Our major political parties are failing us more than ever
The comments made by Penny Wong on ABC AM on 20 January 2026 (see https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/am/penny-wong-marks-hate-speech-gun-reforms/106251644?utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared ) added to my concerns about these laws. When queried about criticism of Israel, including its right to exist, in the context of these laws, Wong says something alarming at about 04:10-04:13 "...I note some of the things you put to me are clearly against government policy..." - sorry Penny, did I miss something? Is it against the law to oppose government policy now?? Something you're not telling us Penny?
The state of political discourse in this country has taken a very dark turn and I didn't expect it to happen under the ALP.
A surprise today was Senator McDonald of the Nationals holding her own very well against Patricia Karvelas. McDonald was determined to remind PK that she voted against the bills because of concerns raised by "tens of thousands" of constituents about the scope of the provisions every time PK tried to focus on the politics of the now-former coalition. At least someone was trying to focus of the actual policy and scope of what's been passed this week.