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The Liberal party is reportedly pushing for a more rigorous approach to curbing extremist clerics and perilous hate groups.
However, Greens leader Larissa Waters has voiced concerns about the hate speech legislation, arguing that it limits freedom of expression. Source: AAP / Jono Searle
The Greens have expressed opposition to the proposed hate speech laws, highlighting potential negative impacts on political discourse, including the ability to protest.
“I refuse to acknowledge racist bigotry as a component of free speech, it simply isn’t,” he stated during an interview with ABC News.
According to the government’s plan, any religious figure or spiritual guide found to be inciting or threatening violence against groups through their teachings or religious activities could face a prison sentence of up to 12 years.
The Opposition is advocating for a change that would mandate consultation with the Coalition leader regarding the classification and declassification of extremist groups. They argue this change is crucial for ensuring a cooperative stance on issues of national security.
Nationals senator Matt Canavan says he will not support the hate speech reforms. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas
The Liberals want new powers reviewed every two years by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, tightened hate crime definitions and for new migration changes to be used decisively to remove extremists in the community.
“We also are sympathetic and want to lean into the intent of the banning of hate groups, but we’ve got to make sure there’s no unintended consequences in terms of the legislation, and how that interacts and how far-reaching that goes,” he told ABC’s 7:30 on Monday night.
“I’ve got serious concerns that the provisions here to ban entire organisations, make them persona non grata, are far too broad and give particularly the minister, the AFP minister in this case, way too much power to ban groups that go far and beyond organisations that would be encouraging or supporting violent acts in our country,” he told ABC radio on Tuesday morning.
Gun reforms to pass with Greens support
Burke explained how the implementation of the laws would have prevented licences for the two gunmen who opened fire near a Hannukah event in Bondi, killing 15 people.
