Name: Political and community divide over tough new proposed laws
Uploaded: 2026-01-16T06:16:48.185Z
Duration: 1 min 58 s
Description: The federal government will spend the weekend trying to shore up votes for its toughened-up legislation to crack down on hate speech and gun access after the Bondi terror attack. However, it is yet to secure the support needed for it to pass.

The federal government will spend the weekend trying to shore up votes for its toughened-up legislation to crack down on hate speech and gun access after the Bondi terror attack. However, it is yet to secure the support needed for it to pass.

Canberra

Australian political leaders are engaged in heated debate over a proposed bill aimed at combating antisemitism and tightening hate speech and gun laws. The bill, rapidly drafted following the Bondi terror attack, has drawn criticism from both government and opposition members, with some calling it unfit for purpose and others urging swift passage despite imperfections.

Faith leaders from Christian, Buddhist, Islamic, and Sikh communities have called for a delay, citing concerns about freedom of religion and expression, while warning against certain amendments. Independent MP Allegra Spender, whose electorate includes Bondi, supports passing the legislation to meet community expectations, as the deadline for parliamentary action approaches.

Political and community divide over tough new proposed laws

Susan Lee's scathing assessment From what we have seen so far, it looks pretty unsalvageable. Now used against her. I think what is becoming increasingly clear is that it is Ms Lee's leadership which is unsalvageable. I think they've lost the plot, frankly. The political fight turning personal as the Prime Minister tries to find support for sweeping changes to hate speech and gun laws. This is like trying to grab smoke, trying to get an arrangement with the Coalition. When Labor's own members of Parliament are calling this a s*** show, that tells you all you need to know about how this bill is totally not fit for purpose. The bill to combat antisemitism was rapidly drafted in response to the Bondi terror attack. Anthony Albanese insists he is willing to negotiate. Some of your members are saying it goes too far, some are saying it doesn't go far enough. Tell us what you are in favour of and then you can have the basis of a discussion. Pauline Hanson's calling for next week's emergency session of Parliament to be cancelled, though she's currently suspended anyway. Prime Minister, forget about Parliament next week. Save the taxpayers millions of dollars, put more time into this. Today, faith leaders representing Christian, Buddhist, Islamic and Sikh communities have written a letter to the Prime Minister calling for a delay, concerned about the impact on freedom of religion and expression. Warning amendments sought by the Greens would be the worst possible outcome for social cohesion. No Jewish representative signed the letter. We have so many parts of our community, vulnerable parts of our community that are not being protected by this. Independent Allegra Spender, whose electorate covers Bondi, wants the laws passed even if they're not perfect. I think that's what the community expects of us. They don't want the political fighting, they just want us to get together and be constructive for the country. But the clock's ticking. Chloe Boris, 10 News.

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