Muslim community sidelined in government’s hate speech rush

The Muslim community has been sidelined by the government in its rush to enact controversial hate speech laws, according to information provided by the Attorney General’s Office.

Labour’s hate speech bill, officially titled the Countering Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026, has led to parliament being called early for a two-day session next week after a rushed round of consultation and a 48-hour window for public submission.

Responding to the questions posed by Coalition senators at the Parliamentary Joint Intelligence and Security Committee, the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office announced the groups that were consulted on the bill.