“The revised hate laws, which include provisions around banning so-called ‘hate groups’, are so broad and subjective that widespread censorship and banning of groups based on their political views is almost an inevitability,” said Daniel Wild, Deputy Executive Director of the Institute of Public Affairs.
Today, it is being reported that the Liberal Party will likely support legislation which states that an organisation can be outlawed in order to “protect the Australian community against social, economic, psychological, and physical harm.”
“These laws are so broad they could capture political parties such as One Nation, and civil society groups such as the Institute of Public Affairs, Advance Australia, and even The Australia Institute,” Mr Wild said.
“If these laws had of been in place during the Voice to Parliament debate, the Albanese government could have easily banned the “No” campaign on the grounds of protecting against ‘psychological harm’.”
“These laws remain profoundly illiberal, and have no place in a democratic nation such as Australia.”
“There is no doubt these laws will be used for political purposes by this government to shut down its political opponents, censor mainstream Australians, and curtail the contours of political debate.”
“This entire period in Canberra has been a shameful reflection of the ineptitude and failures of Australia’s political class to honestly address the issue of radical Islam, and the decades-long failure of our migration system.”
“The only solution to religiously motivated violence is to stop bringing people into this country who hold these views, and, where possible, deport those who are already here,” Mr Wild said.
The IPA’s submission can be read here.
