Author adminPosted on Categories Democracy, Liberty, Terrorism Leave a comment on Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026
In January 2026, the Australian political landscape shifted significantly as the Labor government passed the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026. This legislation, moved with striking speed following a tragic attack in Bondi in late 2025, represents the most substantial expansion of federal hate speech laws in decades.
While the government argues these changes are essential for “social cohesion” and the safety of vulnerable communities, civil libertarians and free speech advocates are sounding the alarm. The bill doesn’t just tweak existing laws; it fundamentally recalibrates the balance between the right to speak and the right to be protected from harm.
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Author adminPosted on Categories Human rights 1 Comment on Labor’s misinformation bill is about controlling public discourse
Ever noticed how terms like ‘misinformation’ and ‘misinformation’ are used to dismiss dissent?
Claire Lehmann, founding editor of Quillette, outlines how the term ‘misinformation’ is used to label contrary points of view, and provides the following examples:
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Author adminPosted on Categories Human rights, Industrial relations, Liberty, Unfair dismissal 1 Comment on JCU in Court for adverse actions against academic freedom
Climate blogger Jennifer Marohasy provides an interesting report on Dr Peter Ridd’s case against James Cook University in the Federal Circuit Court. Ridd’s employment as an academic of the university was terminated in May due to him speaking out and defying a gag order imposed by the university.
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Author adminPosted on Categories Human rights 1 Comment on Liberty Victoria’s Orwellian Voltaire award “War is peace / freedom is slavery [and] ignorance is strength” was the grand party slogan in George Orwell’s 1984.
A more recent example of doublethink involves the bizarre choices by Liberty Victoria for its Voltaire Awards.
“War is peace / freedom is slavery [and] ignorance is strength” was the grand party slogan in 1984, George Orwell’s dystopian novel about a totalitarian society characterised by omnipresent surveillance and the policing of thought. The slogan itself is a famous example of doublethink: the process of accepting opposing and contradictory beliefs.
A more recent example of doublethink involves the bizarre choices by Liberty Victoria for its Voltaire Awards.
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