A dangerous new federal law is being rushed through Parliament – and it must be stopped.

From Monday 19 January, Parliament will debate the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026.

Despite its name, this Bill is not a narrow law targeting violence or genuine extremism.

It is a sweeping power grab that threatens free speech, religious freedom, and basic fairness in Australia.

Why this Bill is dangerous

It criminalises speech – not just violence.
Australia already has strong laws against threats and violence. This Bill goes further, creating new crimes based on words alone, even where no violence or threat is involved.

Intent doesn’t protect you.
People can be punished not for what they meant, but for how a court later decides their words might be perceived.

Religious speech is not clearly protected.
The Bill’s religious “defence” is extremely narrow. Ordinary preaching, moral teaching, or explaining beliefs in plain language may not be protected at all.

Religious and pastoral leaders face harsher penalties.
The same speech can attract higher punishment simply because it occurs in a religious or pastoral setting.

The government can ban organisations without a conviction.
Ministers would be given sweeping power to ban groups using vague ideas like “support” or “advocacy”, with limited safeguards.

Slogans and phrases can be shut down without debate.
The Bill doesn’t list banned phrases – but allows them to be criminalised in practice through enforcement and interpretation.

Even visas can be cancelled based on speech or association.
Meeting or communicating once with the “wrong” group could trigger life-altering consequences.

Unrelated powers are bundled into the Bill.
Despite its title, the Bill also includes a proposed national gun buyback and expanded intelligence powers.

This Bill goes far beyond its stated purpose

Australians should not be forced to surrender fundamental freedoms in the name of fighting “hate”.

This Bill must be stopped.

Tell your local MP and Senators to oppose the so-called 'Hate' Bill.

It takes less than two minutes – and it matters.

When laws like this pass, they are rarely rolled back.
Silence now means regret later.