A significant rift has opened within the Coalition, with senior Liberal MPs urging their colleagues to vote against the Albanese government's fast-tracked legislation combining new hate speech laws with tighter gun controls. This internal opposition presents a direct challenge to Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, who has spent weeks calling for urgent legislative action following the Bondi terror attack on 14 December.
Internal Coalition Opposition Threatens Bill's Passage
The legislation, which the government hopes to pass next Tuesday, faces collapse if the Coalition withdraws its support, forcing Labor to rely on the Greens. The bill's two core components—new aggravated hate speech offences and stricter religious protections, alongside reforms to gun laws—have sparked discontent among both Liberal and National party members.
During a two-day parliamentary inquiry, major splits within the Liberal party became apparent, heaping pressure on Sussan Ley. The Opposition Leader, who notably avoided commenting on the bill while in her electorate of Farrer on Wednesday, has publicly demanded parliament be recalled to legislate better protections against antisemitism in the four weeks since the Bondi attacks, which left 15 people dead.
"The expectation was that the guns stuff would be the sticking point, but there are strong concerns about religious protection as well," one Liberal source revealed.
Conservatives Lash Out at "Attack on Democratic Rights"
Influential backbencher Andrew Hastie confirmed his opposition on Wednesday, accusing Labor of arrogance for attempting to rush complex laws through parliament in just two days. He framed the legislation as an assault on fundamental freedoms.
"Those three freedoms are fundamental to any democratic society. They’re hard won, and they’ve served Australians well for more than 100 years," Hastie stated, referring to freedom of conscience, speech, and religion. He called for the royal commission into antisemitism to conclude before parliament acts.
He was joined by other Coalition MPs including Garth Hamilton, Henry Pike, and Ben Small, who have expressed strong reservations. Shadow Foreign Minister Michaelia Cash warned that exemptions for religious teachings could become a "shield for hate preachers", while individuals risked prosecution for sincere beliefs.
"If these laws are drafted too broadly, they won’t just catch extremists they’ll chill free speech and punish the wrong people," Cash argued, accusing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of prioritising politics over the national interest.
Moderates Seek Amendments as Nationals Also Oppose
The conservative revolt challenges Ley and her moderate supporters, who wish to improve the bill via amendments to honour commitments to Jewish leaders. Shadow Home Affairs Minister Jonno Duniam highlighted risks of "unintended consequences", such as Christian preachers facing legal challenges for sermons.
Peter Wertheim, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, told the inquiry that carve-outs for preachers had caused "great consternation", noting that phrases like "globalise the intifada" would not be banned under the current draft.
The Nationals have also indicated opposition. Senator Bridget McKenzie, a shooting enthusiast, criticised linking gun laws for law-abiding owners with hate speech measures, while Matt Canavan voiced his disapproval.
The Greens party room met on Wednesday but has not finalised its position. The minor party is expected to push for stronger hate speech provisions but may negotiate amendments with the government if the Coalition opposes the bill, setting the stage for a tense parliamentary showdown.
