Greens withdraw support for Labor’s hate speech reforms, align with Coalition

Labor’s plans to overhaul hate speech laws in response to the Bondi terror attack have suffered a major blow after the Greens withdrew support for key measures, joining the Coalition in opposing the omnibus bill.

The reforms, which aim to curb antisemitism and empower authorities to ban extremist groups, have drawn criticism from both sides of the political spectrum.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley labelled the legislation “unsalvageable”, arguing it threatened free expression and lacked adequate consultation.

Greens leader Larissa Water confirmed on Saturday that her party would only support elements of the package related to gun safety, specifically the Prime Minister’s proposed $1 billion gun buyback scheme and a new national firearms registry.

“The Greens are ready to work with the government to pass gun laws next week,” Senator Waters said in a statement shared on X.

“The rest of the omnibus bill, however, needs too much reworking to meet community concerns. We need to keep all people in the community safe from discrimination and hatred, but good laws don’t come from rushed work.

“With each passing hour, more concerns are raised by legal experts, faith groups and communities.

“The Greens won’t support laws that may risk criminalising legitimate political expression.

“The risk of unintended consequences is too great to rush passage of this legislation.”

Senator Waters said she would be willing to work with Labor to find a way forward on laws to “combat hate” in the community.

“But the negotiations and legal analysis required to produce a good outcome on this omnibus bill can’t be done in the extremely tight time frame the government has created,” she said.

On Thursday, Senator Waters said the Greens wanted the legislation extended to protect all faith groups, not only Jewish Australians, as well as LGBTQ+ and disability communities.

“We can’t combat hate if we don’t combat it for everyone,” she said.

The bill includes new powers to ban hate groups, tighten visa rules, and a new offence for promoting hatred, which civil groups warn could stifle free speech.

With Parliament resuming on Monday, negotiations are expected to intensify in order for the legislation to be passed.

Speaking to media from flood-ravaged Queensland on Thursday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it was “extraordinary” that Coalition said the reforms were “rushed”.

“People have dismissed this legislation that they call for without even reading it, and have made comments that are just not right,” Mr Albanese said.