The Albanese government’s revised hate crimes legislation could be used to target political opponents, critics have warned.
Labor’s hate crimes laws could lead to political censorship and excessive government power, Coalition MPs and critics warn
That’s by design, not by accident. It’s also not about “could,” because it will. Seeing this for anything other than what it is shows how dense people in this coalition are.
Senior opposition figures have raised concerns about the Albanese government’s hate crimes laws, warning against “excessive expansion of government powers”.
It comes as the Albanese government aims to strengthen protections against antisemitism and other hate crimes.
Key provisions include tougher penalties for hate crimes, expanded powers to list hate groups, and new powers to cancel visas for non-citizens engaging in hate speech.
Under the laws, an organisation may be banned in order to “protect the Australian community against social, economic, psychological, and physical harm”.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke says that he doesn’t want to call the terrorists “radical islamists” because it might hurt their feelings. pic.twitter.com/ZwLA0PZo3r
— Australians vs. The Agenda (@ausvstheagenda) January 20, 2026
Critics of the legislation, including Nationals Senator Matt Canavan and Liberal Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price have raised concerns this could limit freedoms.

Mr Canavan has announced he will oppose the new laws, saying they were “badly written and too broad.”
He warned ordinary actions, such as a boycott of Russian products, could theoretically be captured under the legislation.
“This is an excessive expansion of government power. These laws should be opposed,” he said in a statement on social media. Continue reading Australia: Burka Tony, Censorship, Muslim Feelings & Excessive Government Power


























