(Canberra, January 14, 2026) — Australia’s government is moving forward with legislation to outlaw inciting racial hatred, prompting division within the Liberal party and criticism from the Nationals who claim the bill attacks free speech.
Australia’s Labor government is pursuing new hate speech laws, sparking debate over the balance between protecting minority groups and safeguarding freedom of expression.
- The Australian Labor government plans to criminalize inciting racial hatred.
- The proposed legislation has caused a split within the Liberal party.
- The Nationals party has condemned the bill as an attack on free speech.
- Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott has suggested Opposition Leader Peter Dutton should be considered as a future leader.
Australia’s Labor government is pressing ahead with a plan to outlaw inciting racial hatred, a move that has ignited a political firestorm, according to reports from The Australian.
The proposed legislation has reportedly caused division within the Liberal party, with members disagreeing on the best course of action, as reported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. The bill also extends to targeting Islamophobia, according to The Australian.
Nationals MPs have reportedly lashed the bill, describing it as an attack on free speech, The Australian reported.
Adding to the political maneuvering, former Prime Minister Tony Abbott has reportedly suggested that Peter Dutton should be considered as a future leader of the Liberal party, according to News.com.au.
Time.news based this report in part on reporting by The Australian, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, AFR, News.com.au and added independent analysis and context.
