Labor has criticized Coalition leader Sussan Ley’s opposition to new hate speech laws, with government ministers suggesting her leadership is “unsalvageable” amid concerns over the Coalition’s response following the Bondi terror attack.
Government Attacks Ley’s Position
Senior government ministers, including Penny Wong and Jim Chalmers, attacked Ley’s stance on legislation aimed at combating antisemitism on Friday, as Labor’s bill faces an uncertain path in parliament next week. The government is struggling to gain support from both the Coalition and the Greens for the legislation, having set a seven-day deadline for its passage.
The Greens have indicated they will not support the bill in its current form, while Ley has described the bill as “pretty unsalvageable.”
“She continues to say the legislation is unsalvageable, I think what is becoming increasingly clear is that it is Ms Ley’s leadership which is unsalvageable,” Wong said in Adelaide on Friday.
Chalmers accused the Coalition of prioritizing internal politics over public safety and creating further conflict. “I think everyone’s suspicion is that in trying to placate the most extreme elements of her party… I think the expectation is that Sussan Ley looks like losing her job anyway,” he said. “So, if she looks like losing her job anyway, the least she can do is to do the right thing as she heads out the door.”
Parliament Recalled, Coalition Raises Concerns
Parliament has been recalled for two days to debate the legislation and to hold a condolence motion for the victims of the December 14 terror attack, in which 15 people were killed.
The Coalition has expressed concerns about potential unintended consequences and a lack of sufficient time for scrutiny, proposing its own plan to legislate and adopt the report of the special envoy for antisemitism. “They’re presenting laws that miss the mark, may have unintended consequences and could impact freedoms in this country – and yet [are] demanding that we pass them with little to no scrutiny,” said Jonathon Duniam, the shadow home affairs minister.
Religious Leaders and Independent MPs Weigh In
A group of religious leaders published a joint letter to Prime Minister Albanese on Friday, urging him to delay consideration of the bill and redraft portions of it to protect religious freedoms. The Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, Anthony Fisher, along with leaders from Christian, Islamic, Sikh, and Buddhist communities, stated the bill does not adequately protect “lawful religious teaching, sermons, theological instruction, pastoral guidance, and good-faith religious expression.” No Jewish groups or community leaders signed the letter.
Peter Wertheim, the co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, urged the Coalition to negotiate with the government, suggesting Ley should not allow “the perfect to be the enemy of the good.”
Independent MPs, including Allegra Spender, have called for cooperation among all parliamentarians, emphasizing the calls for a strong response from victims, families, and Jewish community leaders. They urged the Coalition and the Greens to negotiate in good faith to deliver concrete action.
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