Tomorrow, Tuesday 20 January, the Parliament is scheduled to debate and push through split versions of the Hate Crimes legislation — unless enough Senators hear from constituents today.

Over the weekend, both the Greens and the Liberals publicly stated they would not support the original Bill. In response, the Prime Minister has now:

1. Removed approximately 2% of the Bill (around three pages) relating to racial vilification offences (Part 5 of Schedule 1) Full original draft available HERE. 

3. Reintroduced the remaining components as separate legislation, to be debated and passed independently

This is not withdrawal.
It is re-packaging to force passage.

 

There are serious democratic concerns Parliament has not addressed.

1. A Royal Commission has been announced into the Bondi incident
The Bondi tragedy has been cited repeatedly as justification for this legislation. Yet Parliament is now being asked to vote before the Royal Commission has commenced, let alone delivered findings.
It is reasonable to question how Parliament can legislate on matters of cause, motive, or prevention without the benefit of those findings.

2. Public submissions have not been considered
More than 7,000 submissions were lodged with the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security on the Exposure Draft: Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026 — within a 48-hour window.
As of today, fewer than 180 submissions have been published.

Public consultation is a formal part of the legislative process.
Parliament is now moving to vote before submissions have been published, reviewed, or assessed.

 

In 2019, as Leader of the Opposition, Anthony Albanese made clear public statements in support of freedom of expression and press freedom.

Commenting on then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s reference to “quiet Australians,” Mr Albanese stated:

“When Scott Morrison talks about quiet Australians, what he really wants is silent Australians.”
“Our democracy is under attack. We have a Government that doesn’t support the freedom of the press, the right to protest or – as we’ve seen – debate in our nation's Parliament.”

— Anthony Albanese, 2019
https://x.com/albomp/status/1203122837067710464?s=46

That statement forms part of the public record.

In 2026, as Prime Minister, the Government is advancing legislation through split Bills, abbreviated consultation periods, and expedited parliamentary debate, despite:

an announced Royal Commission, and

thousands of public submissions that have not yet been considered.

This raises legitimate questions about process, scrutiny, and accountability.

Freedom of expression and press freedom depend on transparent legislative processes, meaningful consultation, and sufficient time for parliamentary consideration.

Australians are entitled to expect consistency between stated commitments and governing practice.

 

We are asking supporters to email non-Labor Senators immediately and ask them to:

Oppose the split Bills

1. Refuse expedited passage

2. Insist the Senate wait for:
– Royal Commission findings
– Full consideration of public submissions

Below is a spreadsheet with contact details for all MPs to make this straightforward.

👉 Please take 10 minutes today to send your email.

Stay engaged.
These are fast-moving times.

👉 Click here to find your MP's contact details.

 

Emails matter. Phone calls matter. Volume matters.

MPs track constituent contact closely — particularly when it is coordinated, informed, and respectful.

 

Below is a short copy-paste email template you can use to send to your Senators. Please personalise as you wish. 
 

 

 

This legislation will be decided quickly. Silence will be taken as consent. Remember, democracy only works when citizens participate before decisions are legislated. 

 

If you’d like to support our work
Donations help sustain this work and protect its autonomy.
Read freely. Give only if it feels right.

Thank you for taking the time to stay informed and engaged.
The Stand Up Now Australia team.