Labor says hate speech laws close to passing as Canberra talks continue

Labor says moves to legislate what it calls "the strongest hate speech laws that Australia’s ever had" are close to success after late-night negotiations in Canberra, with Liberal MPs expected to back separate hate speech provisions in parliament on Tuesday. Negotiations continued into the second day of a special sitting as ministers haggled over about half a dozen amendments.

The government says Liberal MPs will support new powers to legally designate extremist organisations, but the Nationals could vote against both the hate speech and gun bills, arguing the new listing powers are too broad. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said, "I think we're really close," and acknowledged the laws would not be as strong as the government wants.

Attorney-General Michelle Rowland rejected Nationals backbencher Matt Canavan's claim the listing rules were novel, saying the clause on "economic and psychological harm" reflects existing listing regimes for terrorist organisations; Canavan has said he will vote against the legislation.

The gun laws, drafted after last month’s Bondi beach terror attack, are set to pass with Greens support and would require intelligence agencies to carry out criminal checks on firearms licence applicants and establish a large buyback.

Key Topics

Politics, Labor Party, Bondi Beach Attack, Tony Burke, Michelle Rowland, Nationals