One of the aims of terrorism is to break civic norms such as free speech. But the Albanese government’s well-intentioned Combating Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill is so vague and rushed that we risk sleepwalking into an unwanted new reality.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calls a royal commission into antisemitism.Credit: AAP

Politicians dithered while antisemitism mounted after the October 2023 Hamas terrorist attack and Israel’s counteroffensive, with synagogues and private property attacked across Australia. Then, after the December 14 Bondi Beach massacre, there was a massive and widespread demand for concerted action.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese quickly announced a slew of legal changes, but his need for speed on hate laws is outweighing the prudence of hastening slowly.

Albanese’s rush sits uncomfortably beside

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