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Australia's Senate Passes Controversial Hate Speech Bill Amid Crisis

1/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Australian Senate passed a controversial hate speech bill allowing the government to designate organizations as hate groups and impose harsher penalties on leaders promoting violence, with a 38–22 vote.
Nationals frontbenchers Ross Cadell and Bridget McKenzie crossed the floor to oppose the measure, challenging opposition leader Sussan Ley's authority.
Cadell signaled willingness to resign, while McKenzie stressed integrity, triggering Liberal crisis talks and Nationals discussions.

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Story summary

The Australian Senate passed a controversial hate speech bill allowing the government to designate organizations as hate groups and impose harsher penalties on leaders promoting violence, with a 38–22 vote.
Nationals frontbenchers Ross Cadell and Bridget McKenzie crossed the floor to oppose the measure, challenging opposition leader Sussan Ley's authority.
Cadell signaled willingness to resign, while McKenzie stressed integrity, triggering Liberal crisis talks and Nationals discussions.