Prime Minister Anthony Albanese continues to describe Labor as the “party of kindness” as his government pushes hate speech laws that critics say do the exact opposite.
Under the proposed legislation, ordinary Australians could face prosecution for opinions — even ones expressed years ago — while extremist preachers in Western Sydney remain protected, provided their rhetoric is framed as religious teaching or direct quotation.
Both sides want laws rushed through after the Bondi Beach terrorist attack targeting Jews, but critics argue the bill avoids naming radical Islam entirely while expanding the state’s power to police speech. Even the US State Department has warned the carve-outs could punish critics and shield extremists.
History buffs note that “kindness”, “unity” and “protection from harm” are slogans favoured by many authoritarian and communist regimes — right up until dissenters were silenced, imprisoned, or quietly disappeared.
Albanese insists Australians have nothing to fear.
Because in the Party of Kindness, free speech isn’t banned — it’s just carefully rationed.