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Greens Sink Labor’s Hate Speech Package, Leaving Reforms Stalled Before Senate Deadline

The minor party rejects the omnibus approach, signaling support for a standalone gun bill.

Overview

  • Labor no longer has the Senate numbers after the Greens joined the Coalition in opposing the bill, jeopardizing passage by Tuesday.
  • The omnibus package would create a new offence for promoting hatred, empower bans on hate groups, tighten visa rules, and launch a national gun buyback.
  • The Greens say they will back the gun measures if split off, but argue the anti‑vilification provisions should cover LGBTQ and religious groups.
  • Civil rights advocates, legal experts and faith leaders criticize the drafting as rushed and overly broad, warning of chilled debate and constrained religious expression.
  • The government says it is open to amendments as Jewish community leaders urge cross‑party unity and call for removal of a proposed religious text exemption.